120d - A Dynamic Self-Optimizing PFR Embedded within a Steady-State Process Simulation

Process simulation software packages often have a difficult time simulating chemical reactors or other unit operations that involve non-linear sets of differential equations, particularly if they are stiff. A solution to this problem is to solve the particular unit operation using a rigorous numerical software approach and then import the solution into the process simulation, usually using the extent of reaction based on the stoichiometry. Here we take a different approach. The process simulator, ChemCAD has an Excel module into which we embed MathCAD using Visual Basics as shown in Figure 1.