SimSci Client Conference

October 14-17, 2013

Hilton Anatole Hotel

Dallas, Texas

Register Here

Tuesday, October 15th

8:00 - 10:00 Invensys General Session

10:30 - 5:30 SimSci General Session – Highlights Include:

1.     Customer Keynote by John Derbyshire (KBR)

2.     Future Roadmap of SimSci Software

Wednesday, October 16th

8:00 - 5:30 Three SimSci Tracks

·       Design Track - Highlights Include:

·       Extending design & simulation with custom models in gProms by Pieter Schmal & Mark Matzopoulos (PSE)

·       Integrated Cost Estimating with PRO/II by Tolis Chatzisymeon (Nomitech)

·       Discussion about performance of Predictive PR78 EOS in PRO/II 9.2 by Dr. Sasaki (Toyo)

·       Using HTRI technology with PRO/II by Fernando Aguirre (HTRI)

·       Evaluation of Visual Flow v5.5 for Shell Process Safeguarding by with Ashok Dewan (Shell)

·       Integration between Spiral CrudeSuite and SimSci PRO/II by Marina Velazquez (Invensys)

·       Optimization & Off-sites Track – Highlights Include:

·       ROMeo New Capabilities & Roadmap   Optimization Integrated Offerings by John Hernandez and Tom Kinney (Invensys)

·       Real-Time Optimization in ROMeo Using SimSci HDP Reactor by Jason Anderson, ExxonMobil

·       RTO implementation in Crude Distillation unit at Reliance Industries, Jamnagar by Viknesh Raja (Reliance Industries Limited)

·       SimSci APC Introduction by Tom Kinney (Invensys)

·       Advanced Measurements Capabilities by Joe Fillion (Invensys)

·       Simulation & Training Track – Highlights Include:

·       Extending design & simulation to the cloud by Laurent TESTARD (Halias Technologies)

·       Development of an Operator Training Simulator for a Continuous Catalytic Reforming Unit by David Masciola (ExxonMobil)

·       Dynamic Simulation of the Compression System of a Delayed Coking by Washington de Oliveira Geraldelli (PETROBRAS/CENPES)

·       Design and Operational Study of a 300 Km LPG-Pipeline using Steady State and Dynamic simulation by Alexander McDonald (Consultoría Empresarial Ejecutiva)

·       CLB Sim System Update - Integrating with Schneider Electric Controls by SKM

Thursday, October 17th

8:00 - 4:15 Technical Support Symposium - A full day of training including:

·       Taking Advantage of Excel with your Process Simulation	·       Understanding Sour System Treatment using Amines
·       Predicting Pure Component Properties	·       DYNSIM Best Practices
·       Significant Factors for Selecting Thermodynamic Methods in Simulation Models	·       Refinery Reactor Models in ROMeo

4:45 - 5:30 Invensys Closing Session

​6:00 - 11:00  ​Closing Party at Dallas Cowboys Stadium!

Register Here

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SimSci OTS Customer Survey through TechValidate

Hi,

The Invensys team is conducting a customer research survey, in conjunction with TechValidate, about real-world usage of SimSci Operator Training Simulator (OTS). It's aquick 10-question survey. Your participation is important.

Take the survey here: https://www.techvalidate.com/registration/0b5cebf856

If you have any questions about this survey, please contact Joseph McMullen, SimSci Product Marketing Manager at Invensys, at joseph.mcmullen@invensys.com.

Thanks,

Joe

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From RefinerLink: Improving Heat Exchanger Monitoring

Great article on RefinerLink today: Improving Heat Exchanger Monitoring

"Heat exchanger monitoring is critical to driving optimal refinery performance by reducing operating cost and maximizing refinery yields. By focusing on the basics and utilizing every piece of data available process engineers can improve heat exchanger monitoring."Full article here

I agree with the author, Steve Pagani, that "Heat Exchange, just like Distillation, is the bread and butter of refinery process engineering." One way of doing that is with ROMeo's Performance Monitoring product is known as Automated Rigorous Performance Monitoring (ARPM). ARPM is a comprehensive monitoring solution for the oil and gas processing, refining, petrochemical and chemical industries. The product uses real-time plant data and rigorous simulation models to extract validated process, equipment, and heat exchanger performance information. Integration with Wonderware Intelligence EMI (Enterprise Manufacturing Intelligence) allows ROMeo’s industry proven results to quickly be visualized on Wonderware Intelligence’s web-based dashboards, displaying key performance indicators and other important operations information.


You can use ARPM to bring in your process data, reconcile that raw data, then use that information to track the performance of your heat exchanger over time. I have seen this used to pinpoint when maintenance is required, to determine equipment failure, or to process bottlenecks.

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Are your students using professional tools in academia? They should be!

Customer Survey verified by TechValidate.

Learn about our academic program where we are helping students by accelerating learning with simulation!

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Customizing the flowsheet and icon colors in PRO/II

On the Menu bar go to Option > Colors. User has an option of changing the color scheme for Line style attributes for various states, icon color or Flowsheet color. Clicking Restore Default takes the color scheme to its default.

About PRO/II: PRO/II is the major product in the Process Engineering Suite (PES). This process simulation software optimizes plant performance by improving process design, operational analysis, and performing engineering studies. It is designed to perform rigorous heat and material balance calculations for a wide range of chemical processes. PRO/II allows users to evaluate the use of heat integration with case studies, rigorously evaluate process improvements with the help of a process flow diagram (PFD), or model crude distillation units. PRO/II offers a wide variety of thermodynamic models to virtually every industry and is incredibly cost effective, decreasing both capital and operating costs.

Technical Support: As always, feel free to reach out to your local technical support team for more information.

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Invensys Software Conference: Fun Night at Dallas Cowboys Stadium

Invensys Software Conference: Fun Night at Dallas Cowboys Stadium

Are you coming to the Invensys Software Client Conference? If so, make sure you plan to stay for the party Friday night! If you are a sports fan, even if the Cowboys aren't your team, you can still enjoy the massive stadium, the amenities, and all the activities we have planned.

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From Hydrocarbon Processing: Petrobras cancels partnership with PdVSA on new north Brazil refinery

Petrobras has been building the refinery on its own after PdVSA repeatedly missed deadlines to provide cash and loan guarantees to cover the Venezuelan firm's portion of the $20 billion project.

read full post here

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A New Dawn in Refining – How next generation software tools are adding unparalleled flexibility to refinery operations allowing them to meet the differing demands of working in Africa

Did you see Roy Calder's presentation at PARTC?

A New Dawn in Refining – How next generation software tools are adding unparalleled flexibility to refinery operations allowing them to meet the differing demands of working in Africa

ABSTRACT
African refiners work in very different environment to their European, American and Asian competitors. With local regulation as well as capacity and logistical issues being added to the standard mix of economic and safety issues there is a growing realisation that today’s production tools may not be delivering a flexible enough approach to today’s refining challenges.


Global issues such as high crude prices and under utilisation of capacity and a changing product demand may not be the major issues affecting the decision making processes in an African refinery organisation. However the ability to plan crude purchases against the demands of the market and getting all this to fit within the actual operating envelope of the refinery means that existing decision making processes no longer meet the needs of operations and, more importantly, shareholders. Today an African refinery needs to be able to bring in the right crudes at the right prices to meet not only market demand but also to deliver demonstrable financial results.

Invensys has delivered numerous solutions to companies demanding an answer to the underlying issues raised by the differing challenges that each face based on both market, geographic and technological issues. This work has led to the development of an integrated toolset which forms the basis of this paper.
This paper will build on our previous work and will show how our toolset is growing and how it has been applied to a number of sites globally.

Authors:
Roy Calder – Invensys, United Kingdom*
Chris Hotblack – Invensys, United Kingdom
Dr Martin Turk – Invensys, United States
Dr Harpreet Gulati – Invensys, United States
Dr Rachel McCarthy - Invensys, United Kingdom

To get a copy of the presentation, email me at joseph.mcmullen@invensys.com

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From Hydrocarbon Processing: Ethane, LPG to trump naphtha as preferred ethylene feedstocks

"The shift in the global ethylene feedstock slate will be driven by ethane-based capacity in the US and the Middle East, and low natural gas prices in the US and Saudi Arabia." read the full article here

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Flash Stream Hot Key in PRO/II

How to use the Flash Stream Hot Key in PRO/II


Use this command to perform a Flash calculation on a selected input or feed stream This operation provides a quick and easy method to check the stream conditions, and can be extremely useful whenever you want to adjust the composition and/or stream conditions to meet certain requirements. When this command is selected, the stream is flashed under the given input conditions and the results are displayed in the editor as specified under the Options/Editor menu.

1. Select a feed or input stream
2. Go to the toolbar and click on Flash stream hot key

As always, feel free to reach out to your local technical support team.

About PRO/II: PRO/II is the major product in the Process Engineering Suite (PES). This process simulation software optimizes plant performance by improving process design, operational analysis, and performing engineering studies. It is designed to perform rigorous heat and material balance calculations for a wide range of chemical processes. PRO/II allows users to evaluate the use of heat integration with case studies, rigorously evaluate process improvements with the help of a process flow diagram (PFD), or model crude distillation units. PRO/II offers a wide variety of thermodynamic models to virtually every industry and is incredibly cost effective, decreasing both capital and operating costs.

Technical Support: As always, feel free to reach out to your local technical support team for more information.

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SCP270 Datasheet available: Virtual Stimulation of I/A Series DCS Control Processor | SCP270 from Invensys

Virtual Stimulation of I/A Series DCS Control Processor | SCP270 from Invensys

Click on the Datasheet link to see the datasheet with more detailed information on SCP270.

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2 question survey about what happens after you purchase SimSci software

Now that you have SimSci software, I want to know what we are doing right, and what we are doing wrong.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey , the world's leading questionnaire tool.

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From DownStream Today: Poland Proposes New Renewable Energy Plan to Meet EU Rules

"WARSAW, Sept 17 (Reuters) - Poland plans to launch auctions for energy produced from renewable sources as part of a subsidy system to help the coal-reliant country meet European Union climate targets, the economy Ministry said on Tuesday." read the full article here

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Top 10 reasons to attache the SimSci Software Conference and Tech Support Symposium

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Wow: Inspiring talk about the future of energy

Short 6 min video that I found interesting and inspiring about the future of energy.

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From Hydrocarbon Processing: US refiners don’t care if Keystone XL pipeline gets built

US companies that refine oil increasingly doubt that the controversial Keystone XL pipeline expansion will ever be built, and now they don't particularly care.

Railroads are carrying soaring amounts of crude from Canada down to refineries along the US Gulf Coast, reducing the need for the TransCanada project, which is still awaiting approval from the US government after two years of delays.

Read the full article here.

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From Hydrocarbon Processing: Shale boom not cutting US polyethylene user costs

Shale boom not cutting US polyethylene user costs

Despite the shale boom, the price of polyethylene in the US has generally risen over the past few years. The type most used typically costs around 75 cents/lb, up from an average of 64 cents in 2010.
Read the full article here.

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Improve your process designs with SimSci software!

Improve your process designs with SimSci software!

Customer Content verified by TechValidate.

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Checking for two liquids on a distillation column tray when not using VLLE

You may want to check for two liquids on a column tray when not your distillation column is not using VLLE. VLLECHECK in the Chemdist Column can be used to check for two liquid phases on trays that are not using VLLE thermo.

About PRO/II: PRO/II is the major product in the Process Engineering Suite (PES). This process simulation software optimizes plant performance
by improving process design, operational analysis, and performing engineering studies. It is designed to perform rigorous heat and material balance calculations for a wide range of chemical processes. PRO/II allows users to evaluate the use of heat integration with case studies, rigorously evaluate process improvements with the help of a process flow diagram (PFD), or model crude distillation units. PRO/II offers a wide variety of thermodynamic models to virtually every industry and is incredibly cost effective, decreasing both capital and operating costs. PRO/II is known for distillation column simulation, especially in refining.

Technical Support: As always, feel free to reach out to your local technical support team for more information.

Read More

Question on SCP270 - Differences with FSIM Plus

There was a question in the DYNSIM LinkedIn group that I though we should post on the blog:

"Apart from the new name, could you summarize what is new compared to FSIM Plus "

Here is the response from Janet Parker, the product manager for SCP270:
SCP270, which is simulation for the current Foxboro Control Processor, provides Foxboro I/A Series system users with a comprehensive environment for modeling, testing, and system checkout prior to start up. It replaces the legacy FSIM Plus product, that was based on the discontinued AW Integrator technology, with a modern infrastructure that behaves identically to the CP270 with the same control block algorithms and communication systems. This means that peer-to-peer sizing and communication, memory footprint, and block count are identical between the SCP and a real CP. This one-to-one CP-to-SCP instancing differs from FSIM Plus that where several real CPs install in a single ‘super’ FSIM CP. A single SCP host computer can run up to 40 SCP instances, many times more than an FSIM Station, reducing the overall hardware footprint. Unlike FSIM Plus, the SCP host computer is not dependent on the I/A Series infrastructure, but runs on a modern, off-the-shelf Windows 7 64-bit or Server 2008 R2 OS multi-core enabled system. Unlike FSIM Plus, SCP270 v1 is not tied to a single, specific version of I/A Series software. It works with I/A Series 8.5 – 8.8 and will work with the next version of I/A Series software. Unlike FSIM Plus, SCP270 supports virtualization. For users who do not need I/O tieback or Operator Training Simulator (OTS) capabilities, the SCP270 software can run independently of DYNSIM, just like a real CP, so that I/A Series users do not need to learn how to use another modeling package. When used independently of DYNSIM, SCP software can be mixed with real CPs before or during a DCS Factory Acceptance Test which allows Foxboro to ship the actual hardware early. Finally, installing the SCP software is extremely easy. Unlike FSIM Plus, there is no need to create a custom System Definition to include a special station type. The I/A Series infrastructure ‘sees’ an SCP270 just as if it were a real CP270.

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SCP270 replaces FSIM Plus

SimSci Esscor SCP270 (Simulated Control Processor 270) software from Invensys, included in its Dynamic Simulation Suite (DSS), is replacing FSIM Plus. It provides Foxboro I/A Series system users with a comprehensive environment for modeling, testing, and system checkout prior to start up. SCP270 is delivered as part of a turnkey OTS from Invensys or for users for DCS Control Checkout for control logic checkout. Use of SCP270 will dramatically reduce start-up and commissioning times. The reduced start-up times provide customers with significant cost savings. This new software also allows for efficient operator training, control systems validation, and enhanced plant performance.

For more information on SCP270, please go to the website. 

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Another PIPEPHASE testimonial through TechValidate

Another PIPEPHASE testimonial through TechValidate

Customer Proof verified by TechValidate.

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From Hydrocarbon Processing: Use modeling to evaluate processing solutions for heavy oils

To optimize processing and reduce design and operating costs, refiners should consider using accurate simulation models that are specifically tailored for heavy crudes.

Read the full article here.

To learn about using heavy oil simulation technology from SimSci - go here

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Preliminary Agenda for the SimSci Client Conference - October 14-17, 2013 - Dallas, Texas

SimSci Client Conference
October 14-17, 2013
Hilton Anatole Hotel
Dallas, Texas

Early Bird Discount Ends This Friday

Preliminary Agenda 

Tuesday, October 15th

8:00 - 10:00 Invensys General Session
10:30 - 5:30 SimSci General Session – Highlights Include:

• Customer Keynote by John Derbyshire (KBR)
• Future Roadmap of SimSci Software

Wednesday, October 16th

8:00 - 5:30 Three SimSci Tracks
Design Track - Highlights Include:

• Extending design & simulation with custom models in gProms by Pieter Schmal & Mark Matzopoulos (PSE)
• Extending design & simulation to the cloud by Laurent TESTARD (Halias Technologies)
• Integrated Cost Estimating with PRO/II by Tolis Chatzisymeon (Nomitech)
• Discussion about performance of Predictive PR78 EOS in PRO/II 9.2 by Dr. Sasaki (Toyo)
• Using HTRI technology with PRO/II by Fernando Aguirre (HTRI)

Optimization & Off-sites Track – Highlights Include: 

• ROMeo New Capabilities & Roadmap Optimization Integrated Offerings by John Hernandez and Tom Kinney (Invensys)
• Real-Time Optimization in ROMeo Using SimSci HDP Reactor by Tom Wren, ExxonMobil
• Advanced Measurements Capabilities by Joe Fillion (Invensys)

Simulation & Training Track – Highlights Include: 

• Development of an Operator Training Simulator for a Continuous Catalytic Reforming Unit by David Masciola (ExxonMobil)
• Dynamic Simulation of the Compression System of a Delayed Coking by Washington de Oliveira Geraldelli (PETROBRAS/CENPES)
• Design and Operational Study of a 300 Km LPG-Pipeline using Steady State and Dynamic simulation by José Luis Zaragoza (Consultoría Empresarial Ejecutiva)
• CLB Sim System Update - Integrating with Schneider Electric Controls by SKM

Thursday, October 17th

8:00 - 4:15 Technical Support Symposium - A full day of training including:

• Taking Advantage of Excel with your Process Simulation 
• Understanding Sour System Treatment using Amines 
• Predicting Pure Component Properties 
• DYNSIM Best Practices 
• Significant Factors for Selecting Thermodynamic Methods in Simulation Models 
• Refinery Reactor Models in ROMeo 

4:45 - 5:30 Invensys Closing Session
​6:00 - 11:00 ​Closing Party

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PIPEPHASE Testimonial;

Customer Evidence verified by TechValidate.

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Join SimSci related groups on LinkedIn

Join SimSci  related groups on LinkedIn

• SimSci 
• PRO/II Users Group (1,136 members - our largest and most active group)
• PIPEPHASE Users Group 
• DYNSIM Users 
• ROMeo Users

Or connect with me (Joseph McMullen) on LinkedIn - I regularly post updates for all SimSci software!
If you have an idea for a blog post, please let me know!

All groups have discussions from users, new release announcements, and technical tips!

What groups should SimSci be part of? Which companies should we follow?

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And we broke the 100,000 view threshold!

And we broke the 100,000 view threshold today, about 10 min ago.

Thank you for all that read this blog.

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This customer is sure satisfied with SimSci software!

And one final customer testimonial for the day, this one on PRO/II

Customer References verified by TechValidate.

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Superior technical support

I've always believed it to be true, but SimSci has the BEST technical support according to this customer.

Customer References verified by TechValidate.

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SimSci customers rate our technical support very well

Customer Evidence verified by TechValidate.

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SimSci Client Conference - October 14-17 in Dallas, TX

SimSci Client Conference

October 14-17, 2013

Hilton Anatole Hotel

Dallas, Texas

Invensys is pleased to announce the 2013 SimSci Client Conference and Technical Support Symposium to be held in Dallas, TX, October 14th- 17th. This year’s conference provides great value for everyone through shared success stories, new techniques and industry solutions, and information on our latest exciting releases.  Whether you are new to SimSci, or a long term veteran, this year’s conference will be the best ever.

I will be posting an agenda next week!

Register Now

Reasons to Attend:

1. Value: Newer customers will see existing customers present on the value they are achieving with SimSci simulation software while existing customers can share their experiences and learn from others. 
2. Interaction: Do you have a design, simulation, or optimization question? Do you want ideas on how simulation can provide value? You will have the perfect opportunity to discuss it with our Product Experts on Tuesday and Wednesday and also learn a few new tricks in the free training sessions that they will conduct on Thursday.
3. See the Future: Not only will you learn what our software is doing today, but you will be shown what the future holds for our major products. How we envision the future may be much different than you can imagine. You can also talk to SimSci Product Managers about the specifics of their short-term product roadmaps. 
4. Network: Go beyond the office and network with other customers in a casual environment. Don't miss our reception hour and our dinner appreciation.

Topics will Include:

·       Product Roadmaps ·       Application Success Stories ·       Expanded Academic eProgram ·       Product Integration

·       New Feature Demonstrations ·       Partner Presentations ·       Project Justification ·       The Future of SimSci Products

Past Participants Include

·       BASF ·       Chart Industries ·       Chevron ·       DAELIM Industrial Co ·       ExxonMobil ·       Fossil Consulting ·       Inelectra

·       JGC Corporation ·       KBR ·       Nexen ·       Reliance ·       Samsung ·       Shell ·       SKEC

·       SRP ·       Suncor ·       Technip ·       TOTAL ·       Toyo ·       US DOE ·       Valero

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SCP270 from Invensys - Virtual Stimulation of I/A Series DCS Control Processor

Virtual Stimulation of I/A Series DCS Control Processor | SCP270 from Invensys

SCP270 Replaces FSIM Plus -  for more details check out the website.

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From Hydrocarbon Processing: US chemicals sector to keep global cost advantage for decades, study finds

The unconventional revolution is contributing to a shift in global competitiveness for the US by unlocking new production cost advantages, which is particularly pronounced in chemicals.
The industry could enjoy a “profound and sustained competitive advantage that is expected to last for decades." Read full article here

All from natural gas availability in the US:

“Natural gas supply growth is leading to unprecedented investment and capacity expansion in the United States, in stark contrast with other areas," he added. "We are truly the bright spot around the world.”

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Process Simulation: An Essential Tool for the Algal Fuel Industry

Today's blog post on Biofuel is the third in a series of post by Alevinia Wang, an intern at Invensys. Alevinia studied biofuels at Washington State University.

Process Simulation: An Essential Tool for the Algal Fuel Industry

by Alevinia Wang

Process simulation is an important component of process engineering. It gives the end user the ability to analyze, optimize, and understand a complex systematic process. Simulation describes the static/dynamic features of a process mathematically by calculating mass balance, thermal balance, chemical balance, mechanical balance, etc. Before a commercialized plant or factory is built several stages of process simulation will be utilized to reduce cost and maximize output.

Process simulation provides qualified test results prior to industrialized production thus significantly reducing or eliminating the time consuming and capital intensive process of bench testing operating conditions.

To efficiently provide clients with an optimized manufacturing process, engineering companies must conduct simulations of potential production processes. The simulation of a project at its planning stage is needed to analyze the feasibility, evaluate individual plans, and optimize results.

Simulation started its business since last 50s.Right now, researchers can take advantage of PRO/II and accessory simulation suites to virtually look into the establishment and working situation of a physical factory and evaluate the capital cost of an overall project. Also, a successful simulation of a chemical process depends on the availability of basic physicochemical property data, such as molecular weight, structure, the accuracy of the thermodynamic approach, design and selection of unit operation (and corresponding parameters) as well as the design of control systems. The most important feature of simulation software is the capability of parameter sweeping, which is difficult or impossible in lab experiments or pilot plants. Case study of certain parameter sweeping will provide important data which can be used to evaluate key controlling variables as well as the robustness of the overall process.

In last decade, biomass conversion research, including algae-driven fuel conversion, has provided and built upon a vast knowledge base. This knowledge has allowed for the construction of pilot plants in multiple countries, and the utilization of various biomass conversion technologies.

Jean Botti, chief technical officer of EADS, said: "Microalgae are considered one of the most promising pathways for the production of biofuels for Aviation.  "We have already proved that it is technically possible to fly with Algae Oil. Now we need to demonstrate that the industrial production of algae-based biofuel is both ecologically and economically viable."

The application of process simulation in biomass conversion manufacturing will provide vital information for the evaluation on a basis of abundant data obtained in the last decade. Simulation modeling allows engineers and researchers to find a realistic solution for the commercialization of algal fuel manufacturing, and encourages companies and governments    to invent billions into the future of energy production.

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According to blogger, we are approaching 100,000 page views!

Thank you for reading.

Please let me know if you have any suggestions.

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From Hydrocarbon Processing: US sets modern record for monthly gas output

"By DAVID BIRD

NEW YORK -- Early data show June natural gas production in the Lower 48 states appear to have set a record, government figures released Friday show.
The figures from the Energy Information Administration show estimated June gas output averaged 73.62 billion cubic feet/day.
That figure would top the November 2012 revised figure of 73.54 bcf/day as the highest recorded by the EIA since it began keeping such records in 2005."
Read the full article here 

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