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.