Modeling, Simulation and Operator Training Solutions

Stream Data Link function in PRO/II

2012-03-01T09:20:00.000-05:00

The Stream Data Link allows you to establish a link between a stream in an open PRO/II simulation and one in another (inactive) PRO/II model, allowing you to transfer calculated stream data from one model to another. The inactive model is always the source of data; the open model is always the target. Data is always transferred from the source to the target database. The Data Link is not dynamic and data is copied only when the Update Stream Data Links command on the Input Menu is selected, or if the Update Now item is selected in this window.

To use, select a single stream on the (current) flowsheet. Then, select the Define Stream Data Link option from the Input menu to open the Define Stream Data Link window. Check the Define Link check box to establish the link to a stream in another simulation database (uncheck it to clear an existing link).

Enter the name of the database file from which the stream data are to be copied into the Database File field; or use the Browse button to select the database from a file selection dialog box. Data can be copied from any existing database, including the currently open simulation. Enter the name of the stream which contains the data you wish to copy into the Stream Name field; or use the Browse button to select from a list of streams in the database.

If you check the Update Now check box stream data will be copied when the OK button is pressed to exit the Define Stream Data Link window. If this is not checked, then data are only copied when the Update Stream Data Links command on the Input Menu is selected.

Note: When the components in the two simulation databases are identical, all stream data, including component flowrates, temperature and pressure, will be copied. If only some components are common to the source and target databases, the data for those common components will be copied on an absolute flowrate basis, along with the stream temperature and pressure.

For further details, please contact Technical Support.

Recent Releases....

2012-02-27T15:59:00.001-05:00

We are please to announce the releases of the following!

FSIM Plus 4.7
SimSci-Esscor Logic Validator
PRO/II 9.1.1

Backing up a PRO/II file with a keyword file

2012-02-27T09:18:00.000-05:00

PRO/II allows you to export data to a keyword file (*.inp) and regenerate the model by importing this keyword file. From version 8.0 onwards the export to keywords will also generate a back-up of the sfd drawing file (*_backup.sfd). Providing you keep the back-up sfd file with it's keyword file and the keyword file has not been modified in any way, the re-imported keyword file will not lose it's layout.

Also since PRO/II 8.0, saving a model will create a back-up input file (*_backip.inp) within the model's prz file. This can always be extracted from the prz, a zip file, and used to regenerate a model.

For further details, please contact Technical Support.

Refinery-wide Optimization is featured in this month’s edition of Refinery Operations

2012-02-27T09:16:00.001-05:00

"Refinery Wide Optimization: Part 1"-- is featured in this month’s edition of Refinery Operations

NOTE: You have to subscribe to read the article.

Don't forget to register for our free webinar: Crude Column Optimization on Wednesday February 29th

2012-02-27T09:07:00.002-05:00

Don't forget to register for our free webinar: Crude Column Optimization on Wednesday February 29th

What's covered in this 60-minute webinar:

Discussion of optimization of a crude column
Demonstration of crude column optimization with ROMeo

PRO/II Keystroke shortcuts

2012-02-23T09:15:00.000-05:00

The latest versions of PRO/II allow you to alleviate the stress on your mouse clicking finger as most menu items can be accessed by keystrokes. The menus can be accessed by hitting the Alt key with the first letter of the menu name, for example Alt-F for the File menu (note the Output menu is Alt-U). The key letter for individual menu items is underlined, so for example hitting Alt-I, T will take you to the Thermodynamic data entry window.

Individual keystrokes can be used for zoom control and certain menu items, such as some edit commands, can be accessed by hitting the Control key and a key letter, for example Ctrl-R shortcuts Restore Input Data on the Input menu.

Many right mouse click menu items can also be accessed by key letter once the menu is brought up.

For further details, please contact Technical Support.

Invensys Operations Management in the News

2012-02-20T09:12:00.000-05:00

Automation World, Published: 2/17/2012
Safety Network Systems Explained
Now sanctioned by global industry standards, safety networks are increasingly desirable in the United States, benefiting process industry users and manufacturing machine users alike. Al Fung, control and safety product marketing manager, Invensys Operations Management, explains how safety instrumented systems are part of the ongoing movement to make the industrial world a safer place.

SustainablePlant, Published: 2/16/2012
Simulation Trains Operators to Safely Operate Advanced Energy Plants
Established as part of the U.S. Department of Energy's initiative to advance new clean-energy technology for power generation, the Advanced Virtual Energy Simulation Training and Research Center in Morgantown, W.Va., is dedicated to the safe, reliable and efficient operation of advanced energy plants with carbon capture, focusing on clean coal power. Dynamic simulation and other advanced applications from Invensys Operations Management are helping meet that goal.

Automation World, Published: 2/9/2012
Simulating Complex Processes for Alternative Energy Production
Complexity is a challenge when it comes to tapping into alternative energy sources, especially for those processes that gasify biomasses as fuel. These processes introduce unique control issues so operators need software tools that cover both the chemical-process space and the power-generation space. Steve Zitney, Ph.D., director of the Advanced Virtual Energy Simulation Training and Research Center at the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s National Energy Technology Laboratory in Morgantown, W.Va., explains how dynamic simulation and 3-D virtual reality solutions from Invensys Operations Management are helping to prove the viability of clean-coal power.

InTech, Published: 1/30/2012
Processing Heavier Crudes to Meet Future Needs
Because it is non-renewable source, the availability of crude oil is decreasing, making it more important than ever to find better ways to exploit heavy oils and oil sands. One method of doing that is via SAGD-- steam-assisted gravity drainage. Joe McMullen, product marketing manager for Invensys Operations Management, explains how coupling a pipeline simulator with a reservoir simulator can accurately model the entire SAGD process, helping upstream operators take advantage of and extract readily available alternative crude resources.

Linking PRO/II and Microsoft Excel

2012-02-16T09:33:00.000-05:00

In the latest versions of PRO/II there are a number of ways you can link to Microsoft Excel. You can generate output reports directly to Excel using SIM4ME Reports, customizing these reports to meet your specific data requirements. An Excel spreadsheet can be embedded as a unit operation in PRO/II, thus allowing users to configure and test in-house models (e.g. custom reactors) in a familiar environment and to use them within a PRO/II flowsheet. The SIM4ME Portal allows you to create bespoke Excel interfaces between PRO/II, PipePhase and INPLANT without the need to write one line of code – variables are linked by drag and drop. The SIM4ME Portal allows the bidirectional transfer of applicable variables, Unit of Measure support and control of model execution directly through Excel.

Additionally, the more "traditional" ways to transfer data to and from PRO/II are obviously still available; e.g. Copy/Paste, Tools ->Spreadsheets, Excel plots, OLE, etc to link to Excel.

For further details, please contact Technical Support.

Initial Estimates for Columns in PRO/II

2012-02-13T08:55:00.000-05:00

Good initial estimates for recycle streams and columns should aid model convergence. From PRO/II 7.1 onwards, users can update their recycle stream estimates, in a solved model, by selecting the Update Recycle Stream Initial Estimates from the Input menu. All recycle streams will be updated with solution data.

Column initial estimates can also be generated/updated from a solved model. The column initial estimates can be updated by either by selecting the Update Column Initial Estimates from the Input menu; or by right clicking on the column and selecting the Update Column Initial Estimates option. If used, the Update Column Initial Estimates option, will use solution data for heater/cooler duty estimates and provide column temperature, net vapour and liquid rate profiles.

For further details, please contact Technical Support.

FREE Webinar: SimSci-Esscor Logic Validator

2012-02-12T20:29:00.000-05:00

Come join us for a FREE webinar on Wednesday February 15th! Register here

When: February 15 at 10:00am & 2:00pm Eastern
About the speaker:: Janet Parker is the product manager for the SimSci-Esscor Logic Validator.

What's covered in this webinar:

Overview of the SimSci-Esscor Logic Validator
Benefits and common applications of the SimSci-Esscor Logic Validator

Adding rigorous heat exchangers to columns in PRO/II

2012-02-09T08:57:00.000-05:00

The simple and rigorous heat exchanger unit operations in PRO/II can easily be “attached” to a column, which allows you to model condensers, reboilers, pumparounds or side heaters more rigorously. Attaching an exchanger to a column enables the automatic transfer of process information, without the need to create additional connections in the simulation. For rigorous exchangers, simply open the unit DEW (data entry window), click on the Products/Thermo button, then click on the Attach to Column button and select the side of the exchanger you wish to connect to; i.e. tube or shell. Finally, check the Attach Shell/Tube Side to Exchanger and select the duty to which you wish to attach your exchanger; i.e. condenser, reboiler, etc. The other side of the exchanger could be attached to another column duty or could have a process or utility stream connected to it.

For further details, please contact Technical Support.

FREE Webinar: Understanding Thermodynamic Options

2012-02-06T09:27:00.000-05:00

Come join us for a FREE webinar on Wednesday February 8th! Register here

Understanding Thermodynamic Options
When: February 8 at 10:00am & 2:00pm Eastern
About the speaker: John Cunningham is a Technical Support Engineer in North America with a background in thermodynamics and component data.

What's covered in this 60-minute webinar:

Examples of thermodynamic selection effects on simulations
Demonstration of managing Thermodynamic options with SimSci-Esscor

Process Automation: Processing heavier crudes to meet future needs | ISA

2012-02-02T15:32:00.000-05:00

Countless factors will drive the future of the global refining industry, including the state of the worldwide economy; availability, accessibility, and quality of raw material; and legislation surrounding industry practices. For this reason, it is difficult to determine what exactly is in store for this important industry. However, assessing these contributing factors can help predict the direction the market might take.
Read More: Process Automation: Processing heavier crudes to meet future needs | ISA

Exel based reports from PIPEPHASE

2012-02-02T08:49:00.000-05:00

PIPEPHASE has the capability to generate Excel based reports. After the model is solved, click on the Excel button in the Run Simulation and View Results window; this will open the Excel Reports window, where you can select the report options. Once you have selected the appropriate report options, toggle on the Create Database and Create Excel Reports check boxes (these should be checked by default); then click on the Run Current Network button. An Excel report will be generated for the current model, which contains multiple worksheets and hyper-links to assist in navigation.

The Excel Reports window also allows the used to “batch” run the current model or a number of models.

For further details, please contact Technical Support.

FREE Webinar: PRO/II Customization & Output

2012-01-31T08:49:00.001-05:00

Don't forget about our free webinar tomorrow, Feb 1st, 2012!

Want to learn more about customizing PRO/II to become more efficient at building models and viewing output? Learn to interact with PRO/II more efficiently by sitting in on this webinar.

PRO/II Customization & Output
When: February 1 at 10:00am & 2:00pm Eastern
About the speaker: Richard Pelletier is a technical support engineer in North America with widespread knowledge in the application of simulation software in industry.

What's covered in this 60-minute webinar:

Demonstrations on time saving, useful customizations in PRO/II
Demonstrations on useful output options in PRO/II

PRO/II Specifications

2012-01-30T08:48:00.000-05:00

PRO/II allows the use of both absolute and relative specifications in most unit operations. An absolute specification sets the parameter equal to a given value; e.g. if you wanted a flash drum overhead rate to be a set value you would use an absolute specification. The relative specification allows you to define the specification as a function of two parameters in the flowsheet. So, for example, if you wanted to set your flash overhead rate to be 80% of the feed rate you would use a relative specification, possibly something like:

Stream Overhead Flowrate of All Components on a Wet Basis in lb-mol/hr / Total Unit Feed to F1 Flowrate of All Components on a Wet Basis in lb-mol/hr = 0.8.

By default PRO/II will provide an absolute specification. However, to enable relative specifications all you need do is click on the (green) equals “=” sign in the specification data entry window and this will list the available mathematical operators (“+”, “-”, “*” or “/”). The selected mathematical operator will then be placed between two red Parameters, from where you can select your desired flowsheet parameters for your specification.

For further details, please contact Technical Support.

Updated Schedule for FREE webinar series on our software

2012-01-27T16:42:00.000-05:00

Below is the updated webinar schedule for February 2012 through May 2012. These FREE 60 minute online webinars are a great opportunity to learn about our simulation software. To register for the free webinar, please visit the registration site here.

Webinar Schedule

February through May 2012

Date	Title	Presenter
2/1/12	PRO/II Customization & Output	Richard Pelletier
2/8/12	Understanding Thermodynamic Options	John Cunningham
2/15/12	Simsci-Esscor Logic Validator	Janet Parker
2/28/12	Crude Column Optimization	Abhay Sawant
3/7/12	Hydrofluoric & Sulfuric Alkylation Reactor Models	Rujun Li
3/14/12	Compliance with CSAPR using Advanced Process Control	Bill Poe
3/21/12	FCC Reactor Model	Rujun Li
3/28/12	Delayed Coker and Visbreaker Reactor Models	Rujun Li
4/4/12	Converging & Controlling Complex Simulations in PRO/II	Mike Donahue
4/11/12	Reformer and Isomerization Reactor Models	Rujun Li
4/18/12	Expanding OTS into the Mining Industry	OTS Group
4/25/12	Optimizing Hydraulic Networks	Laurie Wang
5/2/12	Gas Processing with PRO/II	Bryan McAlister
5/9/12	Expanding OTS into the SAGD Industry	OTS Group
5/16/12	Understanding Relief System Sizing	Victor Esquivel
5/23/12	Quality by Design System	Larry Balcom
5/30/12	Simplifying Material Balance Calculations	Ted Fediw

Customizing PRO/II hotkeys

2012-01-26T08:46:00.000-05:00

Many of the key PRO/II functions are accessed via the hotkeys on the toolbar. You can customize the toolbar, removing hotkeys you might not use or adding hotkeys important to yourself, by selecting the Toolbar… option from the View menu. This will open the Toolbar Customization window, allowing you to add, remove or reorder the PRO/II hotkeys.

For further details, please contact Technical Support.

Exergy Calculations

2012-01-24T08:45:00.000-05:00

Exergy (or availability) calculations may be requested by the user by selecting the Miscellaneous Data option of the Input menu and checking the Include Exergy Analysis check box. When requested, exergy calculations are performed in the final stages of writing the PRO/II output report. As such, exergy calculations are not available during, and in no way whatsoever affect, flowsheet convergence. Exergy results appear after the Stream Summary reports in the PRO/II output report. The availability function, B, is defined as:

B = H - TS

where:

H = enthalpy
T = temperature
S = entropy

For further details, please contact Technical Support.

Updating stream estimates

2012-01-19T08:44:00.000-05:00

Updating stream estimates with solution data for streams containing pure, petro or user defined components is simple in PRO/II. After solution, select your target stream, and then select Copy from the Edit menu (or use Control-C). Next, also from the Edit menu, select the Paste Special option. In the Paste Special window that opens select the Total Stream Composition Data option and click OK. Your stream should now be updated with the solution data. Note assay generated pseudo components cannot be copied in this way. For further details, please contact Technical Support.

PRO/II Results Viewing Options

2012-01-16T08:43:00.000-05:00

In PRO/II the default viewer for viewing results (from the spectacles hotkey or right mouse click View Results) is Notepad. You can change this to your default browser, so that results are displayed using Netscape Navigator or Internet Explorer. The viewer can be changed by selecting Viewer from the Options menu and checking the Default Browser option. Advantages of using the browser viewer include the ability to find relevant information quickly using hotlinks and drag/drop of data directly to Excel. For further details, please contact Technical Support.

From Automation World magazine newsletter: Automation Applied: Refinery Optimization

2012-01-12T15:49:00.000-05:00

This is a short video from the Automation World magazine newsletter: "Automation Applied: Refinery Optimization".

In this short video, Abhay Sawant on North America Technical Support showcases some new features in ROMeo 6.0. This video was filmed at OpsManage in Nashville, TN.

Open different file types in PRO/II

2012-01-12T08:41:00.000-05:00

From the File menu Open option in PRO/II you can open input (*.inp) and output (*.out) files as well as model files (*.prz or *.pr1). All you need to do is select the appropriate file type from the Files of Type combo-box in Open Simulation window. For further details, please contact Technical Support.

SimSci-Esscor product videos and webinars on YouTube

2012-01-11T12:23:00.001-05:00

We have posted older webinars and product demo videos on YouTube, just search "SimSci-Esscor" to find them.

PIPEPHASE & Excel Based Reports

2012-01-09T09:08:00.000-05:00

PIPEPHASE has the capability to generate Excel based reports. After the model is solved, click on the Excel button in the Run Simulation and View Results window; this will open the Excel Reports window, where you can select the report options. Once you have selected the appropriate report options, toggle on the Create Database and Create Excel Reports check boxes (these should be checked by default); then click on the Run Current Network button. An Excel report will be generated for the current model, which contains multiple worksheets and hyper-links to assist in navigation.

The Excel Reports window also allows the used to “batch” run the current model or a number of models.

For further details, please contact Technical Support.