Simulation software is a computer program that allows users to create a virtual model of a real-world system or process. This model can be used to study the behavior of the system or process under different conditions, without having to actually build or operate the system or process in the real world. There are many simulation softwares available for chemical engineering. Some of the most popular ones include:
- Aspen HYSYS
- ChemCAD
- PRO/II
- ProSimPlus
- SuperPro Designer
- gPROMS
- MATLAB
- COMSOL Multiphysics
- Autodesk CFD
- Aspen Flare System Analyzer (AFSA)
- Aspen Exchanger Design and Rating (EDR)
- HTRI Xchanger Suite
- DWSIM
- PIPESIM
- PIPENET
- Bentley WaterGEMS
- Bentley HAMMER
These softwares can be used to simulate a wide variety of chemical engineering processes, including:
- Distillation
- Reactor design
- Heat exchanger design
- Fluid flow
- Mass transfer
- Heat transfer
- Chemical reactions
- Process control
Simulation software can be a valuable tool for chemical engineers. It can be used to:
- Design new processes
- Improve existing processes
- troubleshoot problems
- optimize processes
- predict the behavior of processes
- train operators
Simulation software can help chemical engineers to improve the efficiency, safety, and profitability of their processes.
Here is a brief description of each of the softwares mentioned above:
- Aspen HYSYS is a comprehensive process simulation software that can be used to simulate a wide variety of chemical engineering processes. It is a popular choice for chemical engineers in industry and academia. Here are some of the key features of Aspen HYSYS: A wide range of unit operations and thermodynamic models, A graphical user interface that makes it easy to create and modify models, A powerful solver that can quickly and accurately solve complex models, A comprehensive library of property data, The ability to connect to real-time data from plants & The ability to export results to other software applications
- ChemCAD is another popular process simulation software that is similar to Aspen HYSYS. It is a good choice for chemical engineers who are looking for a less expensive alternative to Aspen HYSYS.
- PRO/II is a process simulation software by AVEVA that is specifically designed to do steady state simulation in refining and petrochemical industry. It is a good choice for chemical engineers who are working in this industry. AVEVA PRO II Simulation
- ProSimPlus is a process simulation software that is specifically designed for the pharmaceutical industry. It is a good choice for chemical engineers who are working in this industry.
- SuperPro Designer is a process simulation software that is specifically designed for the environmental industry. It is a good choice for chemical engineers who are working in this industry.
- gPROMS is a process simulation software that is based on the mathematical modeling language gPROMS. It is a good choice for chemical engineers who are interested in using mathematical modeling to simulate chemical engineering processes.
- MATLAB is a mathematical software that can be used to simulate a wide variety of chemical engineering processes. It is a good choice for chemical engineers who are interested in using mathematical modeling to simulate chemical engineering processes.
- COMSOL Multiphysics is a multiphysics software that can be used to simulate a wide variety of chemical engineering processes. It is a good choice for chemical engineers who are interested in simulating processes that involve multiple physical phenomena.
- Autodesk CFD is a computational fluid dynamics software that can be used to simulate fluid flow and heat transfer in chemical engineering processes. It is a good choice for chemical engineers who are interested in simulating these phenomena.
- Aspen Flare System Analyzer is a software application developed by AspenTech for the design, rating, and debottlenecking of flare systems. AFSA is a rigorous and flexible solution that can model both single and multiphase flare or vent systems, including convergent, divergent, and complex looped systems. AFSA uses a variety of advanced simulation techniques to accurately predict the behavior of flare systems. This allows AFSA to predict the effects of changes in flow rate, pressure, and temperature on the performance of the flare system. AFSA includes overpressure protection guidance to help engineers design flare systems that are safe from overpressure events.
- Aspen Exchanger Design and Rating (EDR) is a software application developed by AspenTech for the design, rating, and optimization of heat exchangers. EDR is a comprehensive solution that can model all types of heat exchangers, including shell and tube, plate and frame, and spiral heat exchangers. EDR uses a variety of advanced simulation techniques to accurately predict the performance of heat exchangers. These techniques include: Thermal analysis to predict the heat transfer performance of heat exchangers. This allows EDR to determine the optimal design for a given set of process conditions. Mechanical analysis to predict the stresses and strains on heat exchangers. This allows EDR to ensure that heat exchangers are safe and reliable. Fluid flow analysis to predict the flow patterns in heat exchangers. This allows EDR to ensure that heat exchangers are efficient and have low pressure drop.
- HTRI Xchanger Suite is a suite of software for the rating, simulation, and/or design of a wide variety of heat transfer equipment, including shell-and-tube and non-tubular exchangers, air coolers and economizers, and fired heaters. Xchanger Suite is based on HTRI’s extensive data collected for over 60+ years on industrial-scale heat transfer equipment. The software quickly and accurately handles heat exchanger calculations, and includes three powerful design, rating, and performance simulation modules: Xace – crossflow heat exchangers (air coolers and heat recovery bundles); Xist – shell-and-tube heat exchangers & Xphe – compact heat exchangers (plate-and-frame).
- DWSIM is an open-source, CAPE-OPEN compliant chemical process simulator for Windows, Linux and macOS. It is built on top of the Microsoft .NET and Mono Platforms and features a Graphical User Interface (GUI), advanced thermodynamics calculations, reactions support and petroleum characterization / hypothetical component generation tools. DWSIM is able to simulate steady-state, vapor–liquid, vapor–liquid-liquid, solid–liquid and aqueous electrolyte equilibrium processes with the Thermodynamic Models and Unit Operations. Thermodynamic models: CoolProp, Peng–Robinson equation of state, Peng–Robinson-Strÿjek-Vera (PRSV2), Soave–Redlich–Kwong, Lee-Kesler, Lee-Kesler-Plöcker, UNIFAC(-LL), Modified UNIFAC (Dortmund), Modified UNIFAC (NIST), UNIQUAC, NRTL, Chao-Seader, Grayson-Streed, Extended UNIQUAC, Raoult’s Law, IAPWS-IF97 Steam Tables, IAPWS-08 Seawater, Black-Oil and Sour Water; Unit operations: Heat exchangers, reactors, distillation columns, pumps, compressors, turbines, separators, filters, mixers, etc.
- PIPESIM is a steady-state multiphase flow simulator developed by Schlumberger. It is used by engineers in the oil and gas industry to design, optimize, and troubleshoot pipelines, flow lines, and other oil and gas production systems. PIPESIM can simulate the flow of up to four phases of fluids (gas, oil, water, and solids) in pipes of any size or shape. It can also account for the effects of gravity, friction, and heat transfer. PIPESIM is a powerful tool that can help engineers to improve the efficiency and safety of their operations. It can be used to: Size pipelines and flow lines, Select the right pumps and valves, Optimize production rates, Prevent hydrate formation, Mitigate wax deposition & Analyze the effects of changes in operating conditions.
- PIPENET is a software application developed by Sunrise Systems that is used for the analysis of pipe and duct networks. It is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of applications, including: Steady-state flow analysis to analyze the steady-state flow of fluids through pipe and duct networks. This includes the calculation of pressure, velocity, and flow rate. Transient flow analysis to analyze the transient flow of fluids through pipe and duct networks. This includes the calculation of pressure surges, water hammer, and other transient phenomena. Hydraulic transient force analysis to analyze the hydraulic transient forces that can be generated in pipe and duct networks. This includes the calculation of forces on pipes, valves, and other components. PIPENET can perform Fire protection system design to design fire protection systems, such as sprinkler systems and deluge systems. This includes the calculation of flow rates, pressure drops, and other system parameters. HVAC system design to design HVAC systems, such as ductwork systems and air handling units. This includes the calculation of flow rates, pressure drops, and other system parameters.
- Bentley WaterGEMS is a hydraulics modeling software that helps you design, operate, and maintain water distribution networks. It is a comprehensive yet easy-to-use tool that can be used to do Hydraulic analysis to analyze the hydraulic performance of water distribution networks. This includes the calculation of pressure, velocity, and flow rate. WaterGEMS can also perform Water quality simulation to simulate the water quality in water distribution networks. This includes the calculation of contaminants, such as chlorine, turbidity, and bacteria. It helps in Operation planning to plan and optimize the operation of water distribution networks. This includes the calculation of pump schedules, valve settings, and other operational parameters. WaterGEMS can be used in Asset Management in a water distribution network. This includes the tracking of pipe condition, pump performance, and other asset data.
- Bentley HAMMER is a transient analysis and water hammer software developed by Bentley Systems. It is used by engineers in the water and wastewater industry to design, operate, and maintain water distribution and wastewater collection systems. HAMMER can simulate the effects of transients, such as pressure surges, water hammer, and other transient phenomena, on water and wastewater systems. It can also be used to analyze the impact of pump, turbine, and valve operations to determine the most critical points in a system and simulate a wide range of surge protection devices. HAMMER is a powerful tool that can help engineers to improve the efficiency, safety, and sustainability of their water and wastewater systems. It is used by water utilities, engineering firms, and consultants around the world.
The best simulation software for a particular chemical engineering project will depend on the specific needs of the project. Chemical engineers should consider the following factors when choosing a simulation software:
- The complexity of the process to be simulated
- The accuracy of the simulation results required
- The cost of the software
- The availability of support for the software
Chemical engineers should also consider their own skills and experience when choosing a simulation software. If they are not familiar with mathematical modeling, they may want to choose a software that is based on a graphical user interface.