SimSci-Esscor modeling and optimization solution adds usability, integration features

SimSci-Esscor has introduced a next-generation online plant modeling and optimization solution for process facilities.

By Control Engineering Staff July 15, 2004

SimSci-Esscor has introduced a next-generation online plant modeling and optimization solution for process facilities. ROMeo 3.0 provides enhanced usability and integration with the plant control infrastructure. Advanced modeling environment includes a new sensitivity analysis tool that lets users study cause-and-effect relationships between any input and output variable.

Plants can use the tool to calculate the impact of variable inputs against their optimization objective function as well as to validate results of the optimizer with advanced process control land planning systems. Using the solution’s improved flow sheet modularity, engineers can import and export segments of a flow sheet or copy and paste desired sections of a flow sheet for easy development or troubleshooting of large models. A block diagram can be treated like a dynamic collection so it can be managed much like a sub-flow sheet.

In addition, a flexible XML-based reporting subsystem and Microsoft Excel-based off-line case analysis interface allows easy dissemination of information and wider use of SimSci Esscor’s simulation technology across different functions in the plant. Engineers can create custom report templates and view select variables embedded on the process flow diagram or over the Web. Off-line case study tool lets even novices run “what-if” case studies. A new component “lumper and de-lumper” feature lets users lump components to reduce the total number in a stream or de-lump them back to their original set according to predefined rules.

In another move, SimSci-Esscor recently introduced Comos FEED version 8.0, an integrated platform for the process industry. The result of an alliance between SimSci-Esscor and Innotec GmbH , the platform specifically addresses front-end engineering design (FEED) requirements. The platform is part of the SimSci-Esscor’s iFEED Suite, a package intended for the chemical and oil/gas processing industries to support concurrent and collaborative engineering and increase front-end engineering productivity.

Cosmos FEED performs data, document, and knowledge management, plus integration of process-engineering activities by interfacing with commonly used process-engineering applications. It gives multi-discipline engineers a concurrent, distributed, and collaborative environment in which to manipulate or augment simulation data. It also provides non-simulation data for defining process flow and equipment specifications.

—Jeanine Katzel, senior editor, Control Engineering, jkatzel@reedbusiness.com