Tania Schulze with Gradyent

Scott MacKenzie hosts a podcast celebrating industry professionals and their innovations. In this episode, he discusses the application of digital twins to steam networks with Tania Schulze from Gradyent.ai. Tania explains that digital twins are digital representations of physical assets, enabling real-time monitoring, optimization, and predictive maintenance. She highlights the benefits of using physics-based models combined with machine learning to create accurate digital twins for steam networks. Tania emphasizes the importance of data quality and the challenges of implementing digital twins in existing plants. She also discusses the potential for significant energy savings and improved safety through digital twin technology.

Action Items

• [ ] Reach out to Tania Schulze on LinkedIn or through the Gradyent website (Gradyent.ai) to discuss the digital twin solution for steam networks further.
• [ ] Explore the potential benefits of implementing a digital twin for the steam network in your organization, such as improved efficiency, safety, and optimization.

Outline

Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast

• Scott MacKenzie introduces the Industrial Talk Podcast, emphasizing its focus on industry professionals and their innovations.
• Scott highlights the importance of continuous education and collaboration in the industry.
• He mentions the renaissance of innovation and the tools, strategies, and techniques available to help deploy innovation.
• Scott discusses the benefits of podcasting for businesses, encouraging them to start or improve their podcasting efforts.

Introduction to Digital Twin and Steam Networks

• Scott introduces the topic of digital twin and its application to steam networks.
• He emphasizes the importance of digital twin in optimizing physical assets and operations.
• Scott mentions the potential for digital twin to provide significant benefits quickly.
• He introduces Tania Schulze, an expert in digital twin applications, and invites her to discuss the topic.

Tania Schulze's Background and Expertise

• Tania shares her background, including her experience in the oil and gas, engineering, and energy sectors.
• She discusses her roles in strategic consulting, startup consulting, and sales positions related to technical fields.
• Tania highlights her work with a predictive maintenance startup and her current role at Gradyent, focusing on digital twins for heating networks.
• Scott praises Tania's extensive experience and the evolution of technology in the industry.

Challenges and Opportunities in Digital Twin Applications

• Tania discusses the challenges of implementing digital twin applications in existing plants and the importance of practical solutions.
• She explains the need for a data strategy and the importance of data quality and validation.
• Tania shares an example of a client facing practical issues with sensor installation and the importance of feasibility on-site.
• Scott and Tania discuss the benefits of having trusted professionals to guide the implementation of digital twin solutions.

Understanding Digital Twin and Its Benefits

• Tania explains the concept of digital twin, defining it as a digital representation of a physical asset.
• She describes the different functions of digital twins, including monitoring, optimization, and predictive maintenance.
• Tania emphasizes the importance of real-time data in digital twin applications and the benefits of running simulations in the digital world.
• Scott and Tania discuss the efficiency and validation of digital twin scenarios compared to physical changes.

Application of Digital Twin to Steam Networks

• Tania describes the hybrid modeling approach used by Gradyent, combining physics-based models with machine learning and AR algorithms.
• She explains the process of modeling steam networks, including the production, distribution, and end-users.
• Tania highlights the challenges of closing the steam balance in industrial sites and the importance of sensor data.
• Scott and Tanya discuss the benefits of digital twin in optimizing steam production and reducing costs.

Implementation and Optimization of Digital Twin in Steam Networks

• Tania explains the incremental approach to implementing digital twin in steam networks, focusing on optimization and decarbonization.
• She describes the process of simulating future scenarios and testing new operating parameters.
• Tania shares an example of a client simulating the impact of a pipeline change on steam network efficiency.
• Scott and Tania discuss the importance of safety and the benefits of proactive optimization in steam networks.

Data Strategy and Validation in Digital Twin Applications

• Tania emphasizes the importance of a data strategy and the need for high-quality data for digital twin applications.
• She describes the process of data cleaning, validation, and harmonization in building digital twins.
• Tania shares examples of validating data and identifying issues, such as incorrect flow meters, through digital twin models.
• Scott and Tania discuss the foundational role of data in digital twin applications and the importance of accurate data.

Overcoming Challenges and Gaining Trust in Digital Twin Solutions

• Tania identifies the challenges of gaining trust in digital twin solutions and the importance of demonstrating their benefits.
• She discusses the pushbacks related to changing running systems and the need for live optimization.
• Tania highlights the limited live optimization options in the market and the importance of constant calibration.
• Scott and Tania discuss the potential of digital twin solutions to provide significant benefits in industrial settings.

Conclusion and Contact Information

• Scott summarizes the benefits of digital twin applications and the importance of collaboration and innovation.
• He encourages listeners to reach out to Tania and Gradyent for more information about digital twin solutions.
• Scott provides contact information for Tania and Gradyent, emphasizing the importance of leveraging digital twin technology.
• The conversation concludes with Scott's enthusiasm for the future of digital twin applications and the potential for industry transformation.