Process Modeling using Aspen Plus (Includes Sustainability Module)

• 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

• 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
• Answer keys

• A background in chemical engineering or industrial chemistry.

Pre-Class Tutorial:

To prepare for this course we strongly recommend that you complete the eLearning module ‘User Interface: Discover Optimized Workflows in Aspen Plus’ (ATEL-84-EN) prior to the class.

Starting with aspenONE V12, our self-paced eLearning content can be accessed directly from within Aspen Plus . For detailed instructions on how to do this, check out the article: How to access eLearning directly from the application.

Not using the latest version of aspenONE? Sign up for our free adoption program that is designed to help you deploy aspenONE V12.1 faster! You will receive exclusive guidance from AspenTech experts to help you discover how aspenONE V12.1 solutions can drive even higher levels of profitability and sustainability.

• EAP201 Select and Use the Right Physical Property Models for Process Simulations
• EAP202 Model and Analyze Batch Processes using Aspen Plus 
• EAP2211 Modeling Processes with Equation Oriented Methods using Aspen Plus
• EAP301 Aspen Plus: Real Time Modeling and Optimization 
• EAP2411 Use Dynamic Simulations to Improve Operations with Aspen Plus

Introduction to Flowsheet Simulation 

• Introduce general flowsheet simulation concepts and Aspen Plus features 
• Review the benefits of process modeling using Aspen Plus 
• Discuss the approaches to flowsheet simulations 

The User Interface 

• Become comfortable and familiar with the Aspen Plus graphical user interface 

Properties 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  
• Workshop: Build a Simulation Flowsheet – Properties Environment 

Simulation Environment 

• Develop a working knowledge of the Aspen Plus Simulation Environment  
• Build a process flowsheet and enter stream and block information in an Aspen Plus simulation 
• Run the simulation  

Flowsheet Results 

• Review features for viewing simulation results 
• Discuss options to enhance flowsheet output 
• Workshop: Build a Simulation Flowsheet – Simulation Environment 

Unit Operation Models 

• Review major types of unit operation models 
• Explore flowsheet handling techniques 

Distillation Column Rating 

• Enter the minimum input required for the RadFrac fractionation model 
• Implement design specifications, stage efficiencies and column sizing 
• Carbon Capture: Introduction to examples and additional resources - Sustainability Focus 
• Workshop: Set up a methanol – water distillation tower model, implement efficiencies and size the column 

Modeling Heat Exchangers 

• Review the Aspen Plus models used for modeling Heat Exchangers 
• Explore Activated Exchanger Analysis for heat exchanger design  
• Calculate greenhouse gas emission for the process flowsheet using utilities – Sustainability Focus 
• 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 

Modeling Chemical Plant – Cyclohexane Production Workshop 

• Apply acquired skills to build a cyclohexane production flowsheet 
• Workshop: Create a flowsheet to model a cyclohexane production process 
• Tips to control recovery to minimize material waste – Sustainability Focus 

Physical Properties 

• Key considerations in choosing a property method and review physical property parameters 
• Learn how to choose an appropriate Property Method to represent single chemical or mixture 
• Describe property set for reporting greenhouse gas emissions, COD, BOD, and pH – Sustainability Focus 
• Workshop: Simulate a two-liquid phase settling tank  

Sensitivity Analysis 

• Become familiar with referencing flowsheet variables (accessing variables) which is used in sensitivity analysis, design specifications, calculator blocks and optimization 
• Use a sensitivity analysis to study relationships between process variables 
• Workshop: Use a sensitivity analysis to study the effect of the recycle flowrate on the reactor duty 

Design Specification 

• Introduce the use of design specifications to meet process design requirements 
• Workshop: Use a design specification in the example flowsheet to fix the heat load on the reactor by varying the recycle flowrate 

Calculator Blocks 

• Introduce use of Microsoft Excel and Fortran Calculator blocks for flowsheet calculations. 
• Workshop: Use a Calculator block to maintain the methane: water ratio in the feed to a reformer 

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 

Improving Flowsheet Convergence 

• Introduce the idea of convergence blocks, tear streams and flowsheet sequences 
• Workshop: Converge a flowsheet and review results 



Process Improvement with Activated Analysis 

• Review Activated Energy Analysis and Activated Economic Analysis tools for process improvement 
• Investigate opportunities to improve energy efficiency and carbon footprint of the cyclohexane flowsheet - Sustainability Focus 
• Workshop: Perform a cost analysis on the cyclohexane flowsheet using Activated Economic Analysis