Page 10 - Process simulation and control using Aspen

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CHAPTER

Introduction and Stepwise

Aspen Plus Simulation:

Flash Drum Examples

1 .1 ASPEN: AN INTRODUCTION

By developing a computer program, it may be manageable to solve a model structure of
a chemical process with a small number of equations. However, as the complexity of a
plant integrated with several process units increases, solving a large equation set
becomes a challenge. In this situation, we usually use the process flowsheet simulator,
such as Aspen Plus (AspenTech). ChemCad (Chemstations), HYSYS (Hyprotech)
and PRO/II (SimSci-Esscor). In 2002, Hyprotech was acquired by AspenTech.
However, most widely used commercial process simulation software is the Aspen
software.
During the 1970s, the researchers have developed a novel technology at the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) with United States Department of Energy
funding. The undertaking, known as the Advanced System for Process Engineering
(ASPEN) Project, was originally intended to design nonlinear simulation software
that could aid in the development of synthetic fuels. In 1981, AspenTech, a publicly
traded company, was founded to commercialize the simulation software package.
AspenTech went public in October 1994 and has acquired 19 industry-leading companies
as part of its mission to offer a complete, integrated solution to the process industries
(http://www.aspentech.eom/corporate/careers/faqs.cfm#whenAT).
The sophisticated Aspen software tool can simulate large processes with a high
degree of accuracy. It has a model library that includes mixers, splitters, phase
separators, heat exchangers, distillation columns, reactors, pressure changers,
manipulators, etc. By interconnecting several unit operations, we are able to develop a
process flow diagram (PFD) for a complete plant. To solve the model structure of either

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Copynghled material