Computer-aided industrial process design; the ASPEN Project. First annual report for the period.

Abstract

Work during the first year of this contract concentrated on acquiring the project staff, development of a prototype simulator, the simulation of three coal conversion processes, a survey of software for acquisition, the development of a preliminary physical property subsystem, and the setting up of an advisory committee consisting of industrial government and university representatives. The prototype simulator, PLEXSYS II has been completed and is now being used in the simulation of the IGT HYGAS process, the Conoco CO2 Acceptor process and the Exxon Donor Solvent process. Simulations of the HYGAS process and the CO2 Acceptor process will be completed in August, 1977. Negotiations are under way with Exxon to release the proprietary data necessary to complete the simulation of the Donor Solvent process. The preliminary physical property subsystem incorporating properties of coal is being used in conducting these simulation studies. The software survey has been completed. The programs surveyed are now being evaluated for possible acquisitions. Negotiations will be conducted with holders of proprietary software for release of their programs to the ASPEN project. An advisory committee, consisting of representatives from 28 companies, 8 universities and 6 government laboratories has been formed to aid in the design of the system. A list of seven reports and/or papers published during the year is included.