Modeling and Optimizing Chemical Processes Using Aspen Plus

Learn how to build process flowsheet simulation models to analyze steady-state processes using Aspen Plus. Learn how to simulate, optimize and troubleshoot various Unit Operation models and full process models. Develop the skills for process design, debottlenecking, and optimization of distillation columns which are both capital and energy intensive. The column hydraulic performance is important to ensure high separation efficiency and product quality. Rigorous modeling of columns with hydraulics can greatly improve energy utilization and reduce capital costs. In this course, users will understand how to interactively design and rate distillation columns in Aspen Plus. An essential task in the design and operation of a process facility is the development of simulation models to represent the physical conditions of the system and Aspen Plus has the capability to generate realistic fluid thermophysical properties, and to model non-ideal chemical and electrolyte systems. In this course you will also learn data regression and property estimation features of Aspen Plus capabilities. Develop the skills and techniques required for modeling new and existing batch processes. Build and troubleshoot flowsheet simulations with batch distillation columns, reactors, crystallizers.

Audience:

  • Engineers new to Aspen Plus who need basic training to get started
  • Process Engineers who would like to learn how to design and rate distillation columns and column internals
  • Aspen Custom Modeler® users who need exposure to steady-state simulation as preparation for using Aspen Plus Dynamics®

Training Details

  • Course Id:

    EAP253

  • Duration:

    5 day(s)

  • CEUs Awarded:

    3.5

  • Level:

    Intermediate

Benefits

  • Gain the practical skills and knowledge to begin modeling new and existing processes
  • Learn some practical techniques for building and troubleshooting flowsheet simulations
  • Reduce process design time by testing various plant configurations
  • Determine optimal process conditions to improve current processes

Approach

  • Instruction on basic topics
  • Discussion about the general approach and the key elements for successful simulations
  • Instructor-guided demonstrations of features
  • Hands-on workshops that apply learned concepts
  • Detailed course notes with step by step procedure
  • Answer keys for each workshop

Pre-requisites

  • A background in chemical engineering or industrial chemistry

Subsequent Courses

Course Series Information

Please note this is a course series that includes selected content from the following courses:
  • EAP101 Aspen Plus: Process Modeling
  • EAP201 Aspen Plus: Physical Properties for Process Engineers
  • EAP150 Aspen Plus Rigorous Design and Rating of Distillation Columns
  • EAP202 Modeling Batch Processes using Aspen Plus
  • EAP2121 Process Flowsheet Convergence
  • EAP2911 Solids Handling in Aspen Plus
  • EAP2510 CO2 Removal using Aspen Plus

Agenda

Introduction to Flowsheet Simulation, build a process flowsheet and enter stream and block information in an Aspen Plus simulation
  • Review the benefits of process modeling using Aspen Plus Discuss the approaches to flowsheet simulations
  • User Interface Become comfortable and familiar with the Aspen Plus graphical user interface
  • Property Environment Develop a working knowledge of the Aspen Plus Properties Environment Learn to enter Components and Property Method for a process flowsheet Review the save options for Aspen Plus models
  • Run the simulation Flowsheet Results Review features for viewing simulation results
  • Workshop: Finish building a flowsheet - Add the process and feed stream conditions to a flowsheet, run and review results Unit Operation Model
Unit Operation Models
  • Review major types of unit operation models
  • Explore flowsheet handling techniques
Introduction Physical Properties
  • Review physical property parameters
  • Use Property Analysis Plots for reporting physical properties
  • Workshop: Select an appropriate Property Method to represent a defined system
Data Regression
  • Explain the basics of Data Regression in Aspen Plus and how-to setup a Data Regression Run
  • Workshop: Regress Pure Component Data
Data Regression of Mixture Data
  • Explain how to perform Mixture or Phase Equilibrium Data Regression and how to interpret regression results
  • Workshop: Regress vapor-liquid, liquid-liquid and salt saturation experimental data
Property Constant Estimation
  • Describe the purpose of the Property Estimation
  • Explain the workflow to use the Property Estimation to define the molecular structure of components and specify the estimation methods
  • Explain the methods available to estimate binary parameters
  • Workshop: Estimate pure component parameters and binary interaction parameters 
Using the Electrolyte Wizard
  • Learn about and review the Aspen Plus Electrolyte Wizard 
  • Apply the Electrolyte Wizard to a dedicated workshop 
  • Workshop: Create an acid neutralization model using the Electrolyte Wizard
Introduction to Column Design & Rating
  • Validating phase equilibrium predictions
  • Basic overview of the RADFRAC distillation model
  • Defining column specifications (using spec/vary)
  • Tray sizing and design
  • Workshop: Design the internals of a column based on the liquid/vapor flow profile from process simulation
  • Simulating common high-capacity tray modifications
  • Hydraulic analysis visualization
  • Sizing packed sections
  • Evaluating column performance for off-design conditions
  • Workshop: Perform rating studies of a column to evaluate if the column can handle an increase in the feed
Introduction to Rate-Based Distillation
  • Benefits of rate-based modeling
  • Understanding flow models and discretization options
  • Calibrating rate-based models
  • Convergence for rate-based column models
  • Workshop:  Use detailed rate-based modeling to understand and improve column performance
Complex Configurations
  • Learn how to model: zero flow in bottoms or distillate streams, pumparounds and bypasses, thermosiphon reboilers, and divided wall columns
  • Workshop: C2 splitter with side heater
RadFrac Convergence and Troubleshooting
  • Review the convergence algorithms used by RadFrac
  • Explain the recommendations for selecting an appropriate convergence algorithm
  • Review and explain common convergence problems
  • Analyze how to troubleshoot and converge difficult columns
  • Workshop: Apply troubleshooting techniques to converge a series of RadFrac model examples at different flow rates
Modeling Reactors (Simple and Rigorous)
  • Introduce the various classes of reactor models available
  • Explore details of the balanced based reactors
  • Review details of the equilibrium and kinetic based reactors
  • Workshop: Compare the uses of different reactor types to model an ethyl-acetate reactor
Modeling Pumps, Compressors, Valves and Pipes (Pressure Changers)
  • Introduce unit operation models used to change pressure, such as Pumps and Compressors, and those which model pressure drop, such as Pipes and Valves
  • Workshop: Evaluate compressor performance at different flowrates
Modeling Heat Exchangers
  • Review the Aspen Plus models used for modeling Heat Exchangers
  • Explore Activated Exchanger Analysis for heat exchanger design
  • Workshop: Compare the simulation of a heat exchanger using three methods: two Heaters connected with a Heat stream, a Heater using a Utility, and a rigorous HeatX
Introduction to Solids Handling
  • Recognize the importance of solids modeling in industry
  • Understand the differences between modeling solids and fluids
  • Review applications of Aspen Plus solids unit operations
  • Identify and explain the concept of stream classes in Aspen Plus
  • Discuss how stream classes are used to carry solids attributes 
  • Identify how to account for moisture in solids
  • Demonstrate how to create stream classes and apply to a flowsheet section
  • Workshop: Model a simple Coal drying process and use different stream classes for the drying and overhead condensing sections of the flowsheet
Performing SM Optimization in Aspen Plus
  • Review and explain the capabilities and use of Optimization in Sequential Modular (SM) mode
  • Workshop:  Setup an Optimization case in Aspen Plus Sequential Modular run mode
Convergence Troubleshooting
  • Identify common convergence problems in Sequential Modular mode
  • Review how to solve common convergence problems
  • Workshop: Apply troubleshooting advice to various convergence problems
Fundamentals of Batch Modeling & Introduction to Batch Distillation
  • Review the batch modeling options in Aspen Plus
  • Explain the differences between the available batch modeling blocks
  • Describe the model for batch distillation in Aspen Plus
  • Summarize the key differences in Aspen Plus Batch Distillation model between versions 8.0 - 9.0 and version 10.0
  • Model a batch distillation process
  • Workshop: Build a batch distillation model to separate water-methanol mixture
Overview of Batch Reactor Modeling & Batch Crystallization
  • Setup & Model a batch reactor
  • Setup crystallization kinetics
  • Model batch crystallization
  • Workshop: Model production of aspirin
Batch Process: Integrated Batch and Continuous Process Modeling
  • Model an integrated batch and continuous process
  • Workshop: Model production of mono-chlorobenzene

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Aspen Technology, Inc. awards Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for training classes conducted by our organization. One CEU is granted for every 10 hours of class participation.