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| Frequently Asked Questions |
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| - ProSimPlus |
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What kind of process can I simulate with ProSimPlus?
ProSimPlus is dedicated to continuous processes. It performs mass and energy balances for the described process. It means that to be able to
model your process, the software should be able to model each unit operation of this process and to calculate physico-chemical properties of the streams.
Complete libraries of unit operations and thermodynamic models are delivered with ProSimPlus. It is also possible to add user defined unit operations and thermodynamic
models to deal with specific applications.
Is it easy to learn and use?
A two days training course can be delivered with the software on request. It is enough to learn the software philosophy and methodology.
Then practical tips are learnt when using the software and discussing with the ProSim hot line.
When a problem occurs during calculation, how can I see where the problem comes from?
ProSimPlus is very efficient, more specifically on big flowsheets with numerous recycles. This is due to our strong efforts to develop robust
and powerful numerical methods. During calculation, different colors show you if the unit operation that is under calculation is converged or not. It is a way
to know where the difficulty or the mistake is.
You can also decide to run a step-by-step calculation, a specific option that requests your action to go further in the calculation sequence.
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| - BatchColumn |
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Can I simulate several batch distillation columns with BatchColumn?
No. BatchColumn simulates one distillation column. If two columns are connected, you can simulate one then consider the composition of connected stream and enter it as a feed or initial load in your other distillation column.
Is there a limitation in the number of components, theoretical stages, feeds or side streams?
No, you can simulate, for example, a mixture of 25 substances in a distillation column of 100 theoretical stages.
The only limitation is the RAM of your computer.
Does BatchColumn calculate flooding phenomena?
Yes. After you have selected your packing in the BatchColumn library, you indicate the column diameter and packing height.
Then BatchColumn calculates hold-ups, pressure drops and flooding factor.
Can I ask the software to calculate itself the reflux ratio to optimize my distillation?
Yes. In this case you specify a purity to be maintained in the distillate and BatchColumn calculates the reflux policy to reach this specification.
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| - BatchReactor |
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Can I introduce my own substances?
A specific software called Component Plus is delivered with all the ProSim packages. It allows to create private databases and to manage them
(shared or private database on a network for example).
Does BatchReactor take into account all type of reactions?
BatchReactor includes several pre-coded kinetic models for liquid, liquid-vapor and liquid-solid reactions. Biochemical reactions are also taken into account. It is also possible to define a user defined kinetic model. The connection between the user model and he software is done through a Dynamic Link Library.
How is defined a chemical reaction?
By a reactional scheme (stoechiometric coefficients), a kinetic model and its parameters. If you have no ideas of the kinetic parameters values,
BatchReactor calculates these parameters from experimental data (concentration or calorimetric data).
What is the level of details in the reactor description?
It exists several level of detail as function of the needed accuracy and the time available. In the most detailed configuration, you can describe
the vessel shape, the type of agitator you are using, the heating/cooling system (partial pipes, jacket, external heat exchangers...) and the service fluid...
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| - Ariane |
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Is it a software for power plant design or exploitation?
Both. It is the daily tool to modify operating conditions as function of the energy needs. Ariane indicates what are the conditions that correspond to the lowest cost.
Is there a limitation on the number of networks we can simulate?
No. You can also connect equipment without any limitations regarding the equipment number.
Can I simulate a cogeneration unit?
Yes. The cogeneration contract can be total (you sell all the produced electricity) or partial.
In this case, Ariane allows to measure the economical impact of the cogeneration.
Which optimizer is used ?
We are using an SQP method. The strong point of Ariane is the efficient adaptation we have done, to be able to optimize complex networks in the
shortest time.
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