Equipment/Software/Literature

May 18, 2009

New release of steady state simulation software

A new release of this firm’s steady state simulation software–ProSimPlus–is now available.

The software is used in design and operation of existing plants for process optimization, units troubleshooting or debottlenecking, plants revamping, or for performing front-end engineering analysis. It provides a thermodynamic module and a comprehensive unit operations library that allow the modeling of a variety of processes. It’s suited for chemical, petrochemical, refining, and gas treatment operations.

Improvements to this new release focus on its thermodynamic package, comprehensive set of unit operation models, and convergence methods. Additionally, a new an easy to use and learn graphical interface helps ensure quick learning and optimize access to simulation results.

Simulis Thermodynamics, the firm’s thermodynamic server, is fully embedded in ProSimPlus. Beside flexibility in the definition of thermodynamic profiles used in the process, this module offers a full set of functions for the detailed analysis of the thermophysical phenomena that can occur in a process. In particular, transport or thermodynamic properties and phase equilibria on streams can be calculated in only a few clicks. The thermodynamic model library was enriched with equations of state PR78 and PR78BM and with several calculation services in particular for Reid vapor pressure, equilibrium constants, and surface tension or residue curves plotting.

Several unit operation modules such as the pipe segment or the heat exchanger were enhanced with additional configuration options or new calculation methods. In particular, a new interface was built for the optimization module allowing the user to configure the calculation parameters more easily.

Source: ProSim, Stratege Batiment A, BP 27210, F-31672, Labege Cedex, France.

New mass flow controller

The B-Series mass flow controller is a new family of mass flow products designed to be insensitive to fluctuations in pressure and temperature.

Built on a standard 1.125-in. wide platform with a powerful user interface and local digital display, the B-Series provides a compact flow measurement and control solution that the company says eliminates the need for costly temperature and pressure control devices and systems.

The B-Series is designed to minimize all sources of gas flow inaccuracy. It promises accuracy, fast response, stability, and resistance to flow variation due to pressure and temperature fluctuations.

The B-Series is a pressure and temperature-insensitive device. The mass flow controller actively measures line pressure and adjusts the control valve to virtually eliminate actual flow and flow signal changes as a result of pressure fluctuations.

Source: Brooks Instrument LLC, 407 W. Vine St., Hatfield, PA 19440.