A repository-based environment for lifecycle modeling and simulation

Abstract:
The relevance of computer-aided support systems for chemical process modeling and simulation has increased significantly during recent years. There are no doubts that the use of digital computers has improved the simulation of chemical processes and the management of engineering design data. Current software systems, however, often capture only part of a domain and it is difficult (if not impossible) to combine several tools to an environment that supports the design of chemical processes in a holistic manner. Though state-of-the-art engineering data management systems such as Aspen's Zyqad or Comos PT by Innotec provide a good starting point, they are lacking a proper focus on mathematical models within the lifecycle of process design activities. This contribution therefore proposes an open environment that aims at the management of chemical process models over the lifecycle of the process design activity. The environment comprises a repository for the neutral storage of models in different formats, a modeling tool for the development and administration of models in the repository, and a simulator platform for the execution of simulation experiments comprising models in different formats and representations. A work process support system improves speed and quality of the modeling tasks performed using the other tools in the environment.

Keywords:
Lifecycle, chemical process modeling, simulation, software environment, tool integration, CORBA.

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