Ceramix: computer system for the formulation and reformulation of ceramic paste

• Grant number: 98/14927-7
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: July 01, 1999
• End date: August 31, 2002
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Edélcio Leme de Almeida
• Grantee: Edélcio Leme de Almeida
• Company: Spall Sistemas de Informações Ltda
• City: São Carlos

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to develop a new piece of software using Artificial Intelligence techniques to make it easier to manufacture ceramics in this country, taking into account that the main properties of the sector’s raw materials (chemical and mineralogical composition, particle size and the cation exchange capacity) are always unique; there are no two that are identical in nature. When one of them must be replaced, all the ceramic paste has to be reformulated, an extremely complex task in the manufacturing process. This software will run under Windows 9X and NT, because of their large installed base. The composition of traditional ceramic products (tiles, porcelain, chinaware, etc.) involves countless natural raw materials, such as clays, kaolin, feldspar, talc, and quartz. What we propose is to write a new piece of software using an advanced GUI, to carry out the same basic functions as Reformix, but with countless implementations. The use of Artificial Intelligence techniques to create a database will make it possible to include a Wizard in the software to help users to identify errors in product formulations and in the choice of raw materials. An initial study will be carried out of the various computer implementations of the Simplex algorithm, to check which implementation will be the most efficient in this particular case. The programming language chosen is Delphi, in conjunction with the Paradox database handler. (AU)