Process simulation is the representation of industrial processes by means of the application of mathematics and first principles (i.e., conservation laws, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and reaction kinetics). Unsteady-state or dynamic simulation accounts for process transients, from an initial state to a final state. Like a steady state simulation model, dynamic simulation models are based on first principles that cannot be violated.
At PetroPlat, for the energy industry, we model the plant subunits and their regulatory control. The relevant equations are solved repeatedly in the time domain and the values of temperature, pressure, flow, and composition as well as the valve openings and the process control system output are calculated at every point of interest. Thus, the interactions between the process subunits become obvious. Furthermore, the process reaction to disturbances (such as feed variation, instruments failure or change of operation strategy) are fully investigated.
We apply dynamic simulation to several processes and situations within the industry including process design, process evaluation and debottlenecking, modification of process and control system design, operation optimization, relief and blowdown systems, startup and shutdown procedures, operator training. Some of the software packages we use for dynamic simulation include Aspen Hysys, OLGA, PIPENET, FLARNET etc.
