Simulation and analysis
Process simulation
Steady-state and dynamic process modelling for plant design, debottlenecking and operation.
Describe your projectWhat it covers
Process simulation models the mass and energy balance, phase behaviour and unit operations of a process plant. It covers steady-state simulation for design and debottlenecking, dynamic simulation for control and safety studies, flare and relief system modelling, and physical-property and thermodynamic method selection. The engineer builds and tunes the model, then uses it to size equipment, test operating cases, find bottlenecks or support a safety study.
When you need it
You need process simulation when you are designing or modifying a process, debottlenecking a plant, sizing a flare or relief system, or studying how a plant behaves dynamically during start-up, trip or upset. It is the quantitative basis for most process and chemical engineering decisions.
Standards, codes and tools
Commonly used tools: Aspen HYSYS, Aspen Plus, Symmetry, UniSim.
What to look for
Look for an engineer who chooses and justifies the thermodynamic method for your fluids, because the property package drives the result. Ask whether they need steady-state or dynamic simulation for your question and whether they can tie the model to real plant data. A model that matches measured performance is worth far more than one that only runs.
Common questions
What is the difference between steady-state and dynamic simulation?
Steady-state simulation models a plant at fixed operating conditions and is used for design, sizing and debottlenecking. Dynamic simulation models how the plant changes over time and is used for control, start-up, trip and safety studies. The right one depends on your question.
Why does the thermodynamic package matter?
The property method sets how the simulator predicts phase behaviour and physical properties, which drives sizing and performance results. Choosing the wrong package for your fluids can make a model that runs cleanly but gives the wrong answer, so an engineer should justify the choice.
Need process simulation?
Describe your project and Edelvor finds and approaches the right specialist for it, from an established Australian firm. Free, with no obligation.
Describe your projectRelated specialties
Design-by-analysis
Code-compliant FEA of pressure equipment to ASME VIII Div 2 Part 5 where the rules do not reach.
Finite element analysis (FEA)
Structural and mechanical stress, deflection and nonlinear analysis by finite element methods.
Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
Flow, mixing, thermal and ventilation analysis by computational fluid dynamics.
Discrete element method (DEM)
Bulk solids flow, transfer-chute and equipment-wear modelling by discrete element method.