Modeling continuous processes

Understanding a process is the key to its design and optimization. Because of the large number of components, items of equipment and recycled materials, it is difficult to predict the effect of a change in process parameters. In this area, simulation - in which the behavior of each item of equipment is represented in a model with physical background - is useful. It makes it possible to evaluate various design and operational alternatives and identify the best options. The task left for experiments is to verify the solution obtained.

Simulation delivers the mass and energy balances of a process and the data required for equipment design (e.g. throughputs, temperature profiles).

In process development, the balances are always the starting point. Mass and energy balances are necessary for negotiations with the regulatory authorities and as well as for evaluations the operating costs. The mass balance provides information on how the particular components are assigned to the outlet streams of the equipment. Valuable information for process synthesis is often generated, for example if a trace component is enriched in the recycled materials and an exit has to be created. The energy balance identifies the process steps associated with high energy consumption. These have considerable potential for improvement – the development process must start here.

Other results are important as well, for example temperature profiles are often appropriate for the definition of a control concept.

For simulation, reliable physical property data, efficient simulation tools and considerable experience in interpreting calculation results are required. A&D AS Solutions Process Industries offers comprehensive expertise in all these aspects.