ABSTRACT
358This chapter presents a framework that aims to facilitate the modeling, design, and optimization of phosphoric acid production processes to propose solutions that improve the performance of the existing production technologies.
A neural network or artificial neural network (ANN) is a powerful computational data model that is able to capture and represent complex input/output relationships. The idea of ANNs is based on the belief that working of human brain by making the right connections. The human brain is composed of 100 billion nerve cells called neurons. They are connected to other thousand cells by axons. Inputs electrical impulses can travel through the neural network. A neuron can send the message to other neuron to handle the issue or does not send it forward. ANNs are composed of multiple nodes, which imitate biological neurons of human brain. The neurons are connected by links and they interact with each other. They come in many shapes and sizes. Their shapes and connections help them carry out specialized functions, such as storing memories or controlling muscles. The nodes can take input data and perform simple operations on the data (Fig. 17.1).
