Regarding the reactor in Aspen simulations
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I would like to ask the experts: Aspen simulations are carried out using existing fixed reactors. If I design a gas-solid catalytic reactor that combines heat transfer and reaction functions, can Aspen still be used for such simulations? Thank you
Aspen calculates the heat of reaction based on the enthalpy change of the reaction; the heat transfer process is treated in a steady-state manner, although dynamic simulation using heat transfer coefficients can also be employed. . . My humble opinion; added below
Sure... Sometimes, when a single module isn’t sufficient for simulation, why not combine several modules together? For example, using a reactor and a SEP module allows one to simulate the process of continuously removing gases from a reaction process (gases are generated as a result of the reaction; to keep the process moving forward, these gases are removed using other gases or by vacuum extraction...)
One of the reactor modules can be equipped with a heat exchange stream
I’ve encountered this problem before as well. My approach was to treat this process as a black box, using various modules such as reactors, flash vessels, heat exchangers, etc., to ensure consistency in the output product. By calculating the heat generated by each module, it’s possible to maintain material balance and heat balance; thus, there shouldn’t be any issues. However, it’s difficult to handle this when designing the actual equipment dimensions. I’m currently working on finding a solution to this problem and am seeking advice.