GC Rieber VivoMega aims to optimize operations with AI solution

The platform identifies real-time deviations or anomalies for its state-of-the-art processing facilities and provides a cloud-based, comprehensive, centralized data reporting system. By evaluating the anomalies, GC Rieber VivoMega can proactively plan maintenance and reduce unexpected downtime.

Ståle Søfting, sales and marketing director at GC Rieber VivoMega, told NutraIngredients: “We want to reduce unplanned downtime by a single-digit percentage by utilizing AI to predict maintenance requirements.”

Improving the production process​

The technology also allows the Norway-based company to analyze energy consumption in real-time, identifying ways to decrease its energy use. For example, it has identified 500,000 kw/h per year of energy waste in relation to its steam usage, equivalent to twenty-two Norwegian households’ yearly electricity use. The company’s energy management team is now working to reduce this inefficiency.

“With Intelecy’s platform, we can significantly improve our production process and strengthen our environmental initiatives,” said Torbjørn Saltkjelvik, process optimizer at GC Rieber VivoMega. “Previously, we focused on addressing faults as they occurred and took preventive measures based on those time intervals. Now, we have increased focus on predictive maintenance, which enables us to anticipate future issues and address them before they become a concern. 

“Combining the extensive knowledge of our plant operators with AI technology, we reduce downtime, mitigate the risks of contamination and ensure the high standards set for our platinum-grade omega-3 oil.”

Søfting added that the company is running the AI technology at its two newest facilities (it has another facility in operation).

Machine learning​

The no-code AI tool creates anomaly detection machine learning models without the need for manual coding. Historical data from successful production runs is fed into the Intelecy platform, enabling the models to learn and understand the patterns of a well-functioning production process. When a deviation is detected in the real-time production data, an anomaly is generated in the Intelecy platform.

“This proactive approach enables strategic planning and predictive scheduling of the plant’s downtime, avoiding unexpected shutdowns triggered by high pressure or excessive heat, which boosts efficiency, reliability, and sustainability,” Saltkjelvik explained. ”Additionally, the cloud-based platform enables our team to monitor and manage our systems from anywhere at any time, which is ever more important as we continue to expand.

Søfting added that the company expects to achieve increased efficiency in production, “thereby enabling us to be more competitive in the market”.