Process simulation is an essential tool in our work at Process Engineering. It makes it possible to simulate a proces, so we can determine both the chemical composition and parameters such as temperature, pressure and flow at the beginning of the project. This has been one of the main tools in the EUDP-supported project, which has resulted in the first Danish plant outside the laboratory for the production of eMethanol.
“Process simulation makes it possible for us to determine a process plants’ mass and energy balances, pressure and temperature and establish the basis to design the plant in detail. At the same time, it increases the possibility of getting the best process layout as it is possible to optimize the process parameters. At Process Engineering we use process simulation to establish a so-called PFD (Process Flow Diagram) and perform calculations of both heat exchangers, destillation columns and chemical reactors. Moreover, it makes it possible for us to establish an early estimate of the costs in connection with the chosen design,” Claus Christiansen explains, who is Head of department of the Copenhagen office.
Process simulation in project on CO2-neutral fuels
An example of a project where process simulation has been used is the EDUP-supported demonstration project, Power2Met, where Process Engineering has prepared materials and energy balances and PFD for the plant as a part of the overall engineering of the plant. For a year and a half a project group from the Copenhagen office has collaborated with Aalborg University on a plant for the production of eMethanol – one of the so-called electrofuels. Electrofuels are CO2-neutral fuels produced on the basis of electricity from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy. All energy sources that can contribute to a greener profile in our fuels.
“In connection with the determination of the operation conditions for the methanol synthesis, we have determined the reaction kinetics on the basis of a littearure study and then prepared a simulation model. This has formed the basis for the further design and dimensioning of the process equipment for the plant,” Claus Christian says.
A number of colleagues with competencies in process simulation
At Process Engineering, process simulation is an important tool, we offer our customers. At the Copenhagen office we have a group of chemical engineers – several of them also with a Ph.D – who have strong competencies in process simulation.
The primary software we use is from AspenTech, which, among other things, comes with a database with thermo dynamic informations of thousands of components. It makes it possible to find the right conditions for the plant.
Do you want to know more about the project? Then watch the video below and learn about the project from Process Engineering’s employees. Also check out what Energy Supply wrote about the project.