Process Simulation
Process simulation is a valuable tool for understanding the behaviour of complex processes under varying conditions. Systems
which Sherpa Consulting has modelled range from large chemical plants and oil refineries to oil & gas distribution systems,
automotive industry plants, sea ports and warehouse conveyor systems.
What will I learn?
Examples of the information gained from process models on which Sherpa has worked include:
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A complex chemical refinery incorporating a number of interacting novel processes was modelled at the design stage to confirm
the throughput and yield of the desired products. Secondary benefits were confirmation of the sizing of vessels etc, many of
which were revised as a result of the simulation. Unexpected sensitivity to feed composition was revealed and strategies to
resolve this worked out and tested on the model while plant construction was still in process.
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A production process was modelled to confirm the identity of bottleneck processes and to test the efficacy of measures to relieve
the bottlenecks. The process orignally suspected of being the bottleneck proved to have adequate capacity: the problem lay
downstream. To many it will be a surprise that this could not have been determined by observation of the plant: the ability with
a process model temporarily to increase capacity at a suspected bottleneck to determine the impact on throughput can be very
revealing.
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A model of a major oil refinery allowed its owner to experiment with the impact of different configurations of reception and charge
tanks upon the robustness of supply of the preferred crude mix to the fractionating columns. The model took into account the impact of
supply irregularities and the weather upon the operation of the refinery.
To learn more
Contact Sherpa Consulting to discuss your process and learn how process simulation could inprove your understanding of it
