Aspen BatchCAD™

Provides simulation and analysis for the design, scale-up, and optimization of batch, semi-batch, and continuous unit operations in a Stirred Tank Reactor

Aspen BatchCAD allows users to quickly derive reaction and kinetic information from laboratory data to create a simulation of the process at plant scale. Users can develop the most profitable processes given available equipment constraints with a rigorous reactor modeling tool that has been designed for ease of use. Aspen BatchCAD is typically used by Specialty Chemicals, Fine Chemicals, and Pharmaceutical industries to better design the chemical process. It is applied to design intrinsically safe processes, reduce batch times, maximize yields, and maximize selectivity among other applications. Aspen BatchCAD is a core element of AspenTech’s aspenONE™ Process Engineering applications.

Features

  • Advanced Capabilities for Modeling Kinetics
    • Fit reaction kinetics to routine laboratory or plant data
    • Utilize concentration, temperature, or heat flow data
    • Fit to combined data sets
    • Fit isothermal rate constants, Arrhenius constants, or reaction order
  • Configure Equipment and Operations to Create Reactor and Distillation Models
    • Use a library of Pfaudler, Cannon, and De Dietrich reactors
    • Define jackets, coils, heat exchangers, or electrical heaters
    • Set-up service fluids and flow circuit using various options
    • Add valves and controllers automatically
    • Model distillation columns with a condenser
    • Use rigorous and total condenser models
    • Model batch, semi batch, or continuous operation
    • Model reactive distillations
  • Facilitates Optimal Operation of Batch Reactors and Distillation Columns
    • Select actions to create a plain English operations list
    • Specify reagent additions and withdrawals
    • Set operating temperatures and pressures
    • For distillation schedule, handles changes in reflux ratio, operating pressure and product receiver vessels
    • Model and test operating failures
  • Provides Property Databases and Advanced Thermodynamic Methods
    • Supports the prediction, regression, and estimation of pure component and bulk physical properties
    • Provides an integral database with over 1,500 components
    • Links to other databases (DIPPR, PPDS)
    • Provides regression facilities to create new components from measured or literature data
    • Provides estimation methods for creating new components
    • Offers a wide choice of liquid and vapor-phase thermodynamic options

Benefits

  • Reduce Laboratory and Pilot Plant Work
    • Conduct pre-experimental simulation by using a physical properties dossier (phase behavior, boiling point, viscosity, etc.) to determine feasible experimental and production conditions
    • Conduct experiments for data, not yield
      • A small number of experiments provide data to determine kinetics
      • Optimum production conditions identified by simulation
      • Few experiments (often only one) required to verify result
    • Improve and reduce the number of pilot plant trials
  • Improve Risk Assessment
    • Replace speculation with simulation
    • Predict runaway reactions
    • Perform rigorous assessment of thermal hazards
    • Test proposed safety measures
    • Examine off-normal operation without risk to plant or personnel
  • Accelerate Technology Transfer
    • Rapid transfer from laboratory to in-house or toll manufacture
    • Determine the best equipment or manufacturer and operating strategy
  • Lower Waste and Emissions
    • Optimize for maximum yield with minimum byproduct
    • Perform rigorous calculation of VOC emissions
  • Achieve Optimum Yields and Batch Times
    • Rapidly evaluate a large number of alternative production strategies
    • Find the optimum balance of yield and batch time

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