© 2019 AVEVA Group plc and its subsidiaries. All rights reserved.

Presented by:

Session ID: EPC-TR-01

Introduction to SimCentral Simulation Platform

© 2019 AVEVA Group plc and its subsidiaries. All rights reserved.

Richard Pelletier, Principal Customer Support Engineer

November 14th, 2019

Introduction to SimCentral Simulation Platform

Training Slides (1-2 hours)

Topics Include:

Background

Navigating the Software

Basic Simulation Building

Recommended SimCentral Workflow Processes

Units of Measure

Components and Thermo (i.e. Fluids)

Specific Output Capabilities (not all)

Columns

Dynamics

Demos of Finished Simulations

Course Agenda

Break (15 minutes)

Exercises (1-2 hours)

PRO-1A Chiller Plant - Process Library Getting Started

PRO-1C Chiller Plant - Distillation Column

PRO-1D Chiller Plant - Excel Report

PRO-1E Chiller Plant - Dynamics

A Smart Phone for Process Engineering

© 2019 AVEVA Group plc and its subsidiaries. All rights reserved.

Improved standardization, reduced application training, greater personnel utilization, greater accessibility, and tighter integration, reduced project risk, lower total cost of ownership…

▲ Process Simulation (PRO/II, Hysys UniSim, Aspen Plus)

▲ Hydraulic networks (Fathom, PipeNet, Arrow, InPlant)

▲ Steam balances (Pro Steam and Spreadsheets)

▲ Dynamic simulation (Dynsim, Hysys)

▲ Flares (Visual Flare, FlareNet)

▲ Pressure surge (Impulse, Flowmaster, Stoner)

▲ Complicated ownerless spreadsheets

▲ Home developed programs with lost source code

▲

A Typical EPC

Process

Engineering

Department has

over 50

applications

that they use on

a regular basis.

SimCentral, the process side of Digital Transformation

© 2018 AVEVA Group plc and its subsidiaries. All rights reserved.

Designed from the ground up, delivering the process digital twin, to the next generation of engineers

Delivering the

Process

Digital Twin

● Design, Rating and Dynamic Mode

● Standard Libraries for different Assets

● One single model for the entire asset

lifecycle

50% reduction in simulation

effort across the lifecycle

Collaboration internally

and externally

Enables True Digital

Transformation

Improved engineering

workflow

Designed from the

Ground Up

● Modern architecture & multi user

● Multi-core, Supports SaaS

● Role based user interface

● Open model writing

To the Next

Generation of

Process Engineers

● Groundbreaking Ease of Use

● Instantaneous results

● Intuitive User Interface

SimCentral Simulation Platform

© 2019 AVEVA Group plc and its subsidiaries. All rights reserved.

Designed from the ground up, delivering the process digital twin, to the next generation of engineers.

SimSci Thermodynamics

Use proven SimSci

thermodynamics and import data

using industry standards for high-

speed and accurate solutions with

all major thermo methods.

Library Approach

Provides model libraries for

process utilities (steam, cooling

water), flares, as well as

process simulation.

Open Modeling

Being able to see and modify the

underlying mathematical

equations enables the process

engineer to include advanced

customization

Steady-State & Dynamics

Seamless switching between

steady state, rating, and

dynamic modes drives

collaboration across engineering

domains and model reuse through

the project lifecycle.

Equation-Oriented Solver

The robust equation-oriented

solver using state-of-the-art

numerics allows for efficient

calculation even when there are

lots of recycles.

Ease of Use

The highly interactive,

continuously solved process

simulator with Undo enables

rapid exploration of the problem.

New Applications

The open platform extendable

architecture allows the expansion

of process simulation into other

industries such as batch, power,

and more.

Demo

• Navigating the interface

• Simulation repository

• Starting a new simulation

• Roles

• Units of Measure

• Components and Thermo (i.e. Fluids)

• Basic Building Steps

Canvas Badges

• On the Canvas

• Input Required

• Warning

• Not Solved

• To view a description of the issue, hover over

the badge

• To suppress Input Required Badges:

• Under Edit/View

• Uncheck Required Badges

Note: Hover over badge for a description of the issue.

Solution Status

Red Badges

There is required data that has not been entered or confirmed

Simulation is not properly specified

Simulation is not solved

Green Checks

All required data is entered

Simulation is properly specified (square)

Simulation is solved

! ✓

✓

Simulation is NOT properly

specified and solved

Simulation is properly

specified and solved

X ✓

SimCentral Work Process

• Build and solve as you go:

• Connect one Model at a time

• Enter required data

• Keep your simulation properly specified (Spec) and Solved

• Don’t make changes to the simulation unless these 2 conditions are met

• If you make a mistake, use Undo to return the simulation to its previous state

• Take frequent Snapshots of solved simulations (covered in the next section)

• Do not continue to build the flowsheet, if the simulation is not “Square”

(properly specified) and Solved

Demo

• Mini and full property inspectors

• Simulation level full property inspector and changed specifications

• Swapping specifications and recommended workflow

Variable Nomenclature • Naming conventions tend to follow

standard engineering text book names:

• P – Pressure

• T – Temperature

• L – Length

• F – Mole Flow

• Q – Volumetric Flow

• W – Mass Flow

• MW – Molecular Weight

• L - Length

• D – Diameter

• VF – Vapor Fraction

• z – Bulk Composition

• y / x – Vapor/Liquid Composition

• Greek letters get spelled out:

• rho – density

• mu – viscosity

• eta – efficiency

• Less common variables or potential

conflicts have more descriptive names:

• Duty – heat transfer duty

• Speed – rotating speed

• Power – mechanical power

• Level – level

• Hover over any variable name to get a full

description

Full Properties Inspector Badges

• Under Parameters and Variables:

• Favorite Variable

• Required Value

• Invariant

• Global Variable

• Value Out of Range

• Default Value

• User-Defined Value

• Value Not Solved

Demo

• Snapshots and snapshot manager

• How to handle mistakes

• Running and messaging

• Specific output capabilities, such as variable references, tables, profiles, and trends

• Excel reporting

Solve / Run the Simulation

• In Process and Fluid Flow Modes SimCentral defaults to Solve automatically (Solve | Auto)

• In Process and Fluid Flow Mode

• Auto solves automatically when values or specification settings are changed

• Manual solves only when is clicked

• In Dynamics Mode

• Run Dynamics

• Pause Dynamics

• Solve to Steady State

• Reset to time zero

• Adjust timestep

• Run real time or as fast as possible

Messages Window

• Turn on from Edit/View |

Show | check Messages

box

• One window which

displays all messages for

the simulation (includes

input messages, warnings

and error messages)

• Double click model name

to locate on Canvas

• Messages can be

copied/pasted

Solver Error Messages

• Hover over for a description of the errors when the simulation doesn’t solve

• Homotopy Attempts: Solver will slowly change value if necessary. See the value at which it just begins to not

solve. (Not displayed in all cases.)

• Reason: Why it didn’t solve?

• Equation Residuals: Up to 5 equations with the highest equation residual errors

• i.e. left side minus right side

• High Residual Equation Variable Values: Values of the variables from the highest residual error equation.

( * = Known variables)

• Variables on Bounds: Variables that are sitting on a boundary limit

• Identification of variables with

non-unique solutions

All solver reported

values are in Internal

Units of Measure

(No Slate)

MS-Excel Reports

• Create custom reports using MS-Excel

• Currently the only way of creating external reports

• No need to know any coding

• Uses MS-Excel function calls and basic equation writing similar to writing formulas in MS-Excel

• The MS-Excel Add-In must be installed during the installation of SimCentral to use this

feature

Creating a MS-Excel Report

• The SimCentral simulation must be opened

• Choose the simulation using the Set Default Simulation icon

SimCentral

SimCentral

SimCentral

SimCentral

SimCentral

SimCentral

SimCentral

Example MS-Excel Functions

SCDefSim()

SCDefUOMSlate()

SCDefSnap()

SCSolSlate()

SCModelState()SCUOM()

SCValue()

Simulation ModesPrimary Secondary Attributes

Process“Flow-Driven Steady State”

For creating heat and material balances and sizing equipment

Best to add new equipment Models here

For setting up initial conditions for Fluid Flow

Fluid Flow“Pressure-Driven Steady State”

For solving pressure networks and rating process equipment

For creating bump-less initial Steady State condition for Dynamics

Dynamics“Pressure-Driven Dynamics”

For determining transient response and evaluating controls

• Flows and Pressure Profile are defined

• Pipes specifications include pressure

drop or velocity

• Mixers use the smaller of the inlet

pressures

• Pressures defined at boundaries

• Actual pipe diameters are used

• Mixers set all streams to the same

pressure

• Usually same as fluid flow specification

• Differential equations

• Accumulation

Moving between Modes

• Most values stay the same during Mode changes

…unless there are Mode specific equation changes

• Same values seems natural when going forward

• e.g. from Process to Fluid Flow

• But if the equations change, there could be changes in variable values

• e.g. From required pipe diameter to actual pipe diameter

• e.g. Remove mixer pressure slack

• Be aware that going “back” will retain calculated values

• e.g. from Fluid Flow to Process

• On the Ribbon, under Snapshots, select Revert, if your last solution is desired

Global Mode Check Parameter (SteamLib and ProcessLib Only)

• Will provide warnings above Models while in Process Mode to inform user of steps to take to help

transition to Fluid Flow or Dynamics

• ModeCheck=Process

• For users who do not want to see warnings because they are only

using Process Mode

• ModeCheck=AllModes

• For users who want to see all messages for Mode transitioning

• Typical ModeCheck Messages

• An outlet stream is not connected

• A HX does not have both sides connected

• Change drums, headers, mixers to balanced

• Zero flow valves need a Cv specified

• And more…

Demo

• Mode Transitioning

• Global Mode Check Parameter

For Fluid Flow and Dynamics Mode Transitions

• Required:

• Sinks

• Recommended:

• Valves or Pipes between Sources and Headers

• Valves or Pipes between Headers

• Both sides of HX modeled

Example for Fluid Flow and Dynamics

Must specify Source and Sink flow.

Sources, Header, and Sinks will have

the same pressures. Not square on

mode change.

Add a Pipe or Valve for pressure

drop. More Robust. Square on

mode change.

Not Advised Best Modeling Practice

Model Libraries and Templates

Model Libraries and Templates

Model Libraries vs SimSci ProductsSi

mSc

i Pro

du

cts

PIPEPHASE

HEXTRAN

INPLANT

VISUAL FLARE

DYNSIM

PRO/II Co

olin

g W

ate

r

Ste

am

Pro

ce

ss

Pro

du

ctio

n

(Fu

ture

)

SimCentral Simulation Platform Libraries

Flar

e

Models by LibraryLibrary: CWLib SteamLib Flare Process Process (cont)

TypicalEquipmentModels

Supply (i.e. Source)Return (i.e. Sink)PumpPipeSplitMixHXValveOrificeEnlarger

SourceSinkValvePipeHeaderDrumPumpHXHXCPSVShaftPipeRigRecycle

SourcePipePipeRigValveOrificeMixSplitEnlargerSinkDrumPumpFluidChange

SourceSinkValvePipeMixSplitHeaderDrumSeparatorTank

PumpHXHXCPSVShaftEnlargerRecycleFluidChange

Specialized EquipmentModels

Pdrop TurbineExtTurbDesupSteam CondenserGasSourceGasSinkHeatSourceHeatSinkGeneratorSequencer

PSVPRVStackSealDrumConverterProConvert

ColumnExtractorBurnerExpanderCompressorReciprocating CompressorMotorAnalyzer

Utility, Water, Air Cooled, Plate Fin, Spiral Wound, and Thermosiphon HXs

Conversion, Equilibrium, CSTR and PFR reactors

All equipment Models are designed to be square when placed on the Canvas.

Setting the Inlet Pressure• Header, Drum, Mix, and Desup have two methods for setting the inlet pressure for

Process Mode.

• Minimum: Header uses the lowest of the inlet pressures

• Balanced: Header assumes all pressures are equal

• Minimum is the default method

• In Process Mode, Models take the smaller of the inlet pressures (Minimum)

• Allows independent sizing of flow branches

• In Fluid Flow and Dynamics Mode, there is always a pressure balance (Balanced)

InletPressures: Minimum allows

the individual sizing of lines

entering a common header.

InletPressures: Balanced is

recommended for steam balance

to catch specification errors.

OutRatios (Headers and Process Split)

• If a Header has N products, you can specify N-1 product flows

• Cannot calculate all OutRatios

• The Header would have all of its feeds and products specified

Initial Specification (5 Specs; all equal)

SRC1.W = 400HDR1.OutRatio[S2] = 1HDR1.OutRatio[S3] = 1HDR1.OutRatio[S4] = 1HDR1.OutRatio[S5] = 1

Not Allowed: Header badly specified (5 Specs)

SRC1.W = 400❑HDR1.OutRatio[S2]❑HDR1.OutRatio[S3]❑HDR1.OutRatio[S4]❑HDR1.OutRatio[S5]

XV1.W = 100XV2.W = 100XV3.W = 100XV4.W = 100

Calculate an outlet flow (5 Specs) Calculate Feed flow (5 Specs)

SRC1.W = 400❑HDR1.OutRatio[S2]❑HDR1.OutRatio[S3]❑HDR1.OutRatio[S4]HDR1.OutRatio[S5] = 1

XV1.W = 100XV2.W = 100XV3.W = 100❑XV4.W

❑SRC1.W❑HDR1.OutRatio[S2]❑HDR1.OutRatio[S3]❑HDR1.OutRatio[S4]HDR1.OutRatio[S5] = 1

XV1.W = 100XV2.W = 100XV3.W = 100XV4.W = 100

Column (Process)

• Multistage fractionation of vapor and liquid mixtures

• Single Model to simulate all possible Column types (i.e. distillation, absorber, stripper)

• Right Click → Help on the Column Model in the Model Library opens extensive Help

documentation

• Highly encouraged to read through this material before working with the Column!

Typical Workflow for Column Building

• Preparing your simulation for the addition of the Column

• Achieve a squared/solved state

• Ensure feed information is accurate

• Step 1: Building the base Column Model as a starting point

• Step 2: Achieve initial conceptual design solution in Process Mode

• Step 3: Achieve extended design for detailed engineering in Process Mode

• Step 4: Switching to Fluid Flow Mode for flow distribution analysis

• Step 5: Switching to Dynamics Mode for transient performance studies

Step 1: Starting Point

• Initial State:

• Square

• Defaults to 3 Stages

• Feed defaults to Stage 1

• Product streams not required

• Solved to a “no contact” solution

• No condenser

• No reboiler

Achieving an Initial Rigorous Solution

• Work Top down from the Mini Inspector

1. Set number of stages

2. Set feed tray location

3. Set Condenser type (normally internal)

4. Set Reboiler (normally internal)

5. Set Setup to Solve

6. Set Contact to 1 (or vapor and liquid will bypass each other)

Step 2: Initial Configuration (i.e. Conceptual Design)

• Edit configuration:

• Number of stages, feed location, condenser and reboiler configuration

• Column model can represent any and all types of Columns (depends on the configuration of the

Column)

• Specify internal or external specifications

Unique to SimCentral Simulation Platform

Most process simulators cannot do these!

Step 3: Detailed Engineering

• Base configuration established and target specifications achieved

• Everything up to this step should cover most users concerned only with Process Mode

• More detailed calculations:

• Externalizing the condenser and/or reboiler

• Adding a sump

• Column hydraulic calculations

• Balancing inlet pressures

• Main reasons to do these:

• Detailed engineering

• Prepare for Fluid Flow and Dynamics Modes

Condenser and Reboiler Drum dimensions

Condenser and Reboiler Level

Reboiler with Sump Option

Uses built in or external controls

Before we continue…All Mode Column

• Go directly to Fluid Flow and

Dynamics without having to

“Externalize” the overhead and

reboiler sections.

• Includes options for:

• Built in receiver and reboiler dynamics

• Kettle Reboiler or Reboiler with Sump

• 3 automated, internal or external control

schemes

Demo

• Show/Hide Model Libraries

• Column Building

• Model Help

Help on Models

Right-click on desired Model in

Model Library and select Help

Glossary

Video Tutorials

Finished Simulation Demos

Demos of Finished Simulations

• Cooling Water Network (U4 - Cooling Water Network)

• Steam Balance (U7 - Refinery Steam Balance with Optimization)

• Flare Network (F4 - Two Phase Flare Relief)

• Cumene Production (CC2 - Cumene Production)

Exercises

Process Library

ExercisePRO-1A Chiller Plant - Process Library Getting Started

Process Library

ExercisePRO-1C Chiller Plant - Distillation Column

ExercisePRO-1D Chiller Plant - Excel Report

Process Library

ExercisePRO-1E Chiller Plant - Dynamics

Process Library

Questions & Discussion

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ABOUT AVEVA

AVEVA is a global leader in engineering and industrial software driving digital transformation across the entire asset and operational l ife cycle of capital -intensive industries.

The company’s engineering, planning and operations, asset performance, and monitoring and control solutions deliver proven results to over 16,000 customers across the globe. Its customers are supported by the largest industrial software ecosystem, including 4,200 partners and 5,700 certified developers. AVEVA is headquartered in Cambridge, UK, with over 4,400 employees at 80 locations in over 40 countries.

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© 2019 AVEVA Group plc and its subsidiaries. All rights reserved.