Block Input

 

PetroPlanâ makes available different blocks for simulation including Crude Distillation Units (CDU’s), Process Units, Blenders, LP Blenders and Splitters.  A block is entered into the flowsheet by using the Edit | Add Block menu command.  Data is entered for block by using the respective Block Input form.

 

            Block Name

 

A block name may contain a maximum of ten characters.  Each block name must be unique to the flowsheet.

 

Block Type

 

The Block Type field identifies the type of refinery operation simulated.  The type of block must be selected from the list offered.  If a Mixer operation is desired, use a Splitter with only one product.  All process and utility blocks with submodel files saved to the appropriate directory appear in the list.

 

Place After

 

The Place After field indicates the position of the block in the calculation sequence.  The user must define an appropriate block calculation sequence.  An appropriate sequence ensures that streams to a block have been previously estimated in a prior calculation or are feedstock (to the flowsheet) whose properties are entered by the user.  If recycle streams are involved, adopt a calculation sequence that minimizes the number of recycle streams.

 

Products

 

Products are block-specific, depending on the type of block simulated.  For blocks using submodels, PetroPlanâ identifies the pertinent product names.  Products may be identified with names containing a maximum of ten characters.

 

Parameters

 

Parameters are block-specific.  For blocks using submodels, PetroPlanâ identifies the pertinent parameters and default values.  Users should enter minimum and maximum bounds only if the parameter is a variable used by the Optimizer.  Parameters may be identified with names containing a maximum of ten characters.