Dynamic Modelling & Simulation | Element Resource Consulting

Dynamic Modelling

Bring your plant to life...before you build it

We offer dynamic modelling in ITHACA^®, an application developed in-house. ITHACA^® allows the user to model a flow-sheet complete with multi-phase chemistry, process control, variable operating modes and events. Dynamic simulation brings your flow-sheet to life and is the only way to study transient process behaviour prior to commissioning and operating the physical plant.

Potentially significant process dynamics exist at all scales. Some examples are:

scheduled and unscheduled downtime interacting with other process cycles to impact annual production
life-of-mine variations in feed characteristics, feed-rate and processing route impacting production
batch and semi-batch equipment cycles causing spikes in one or more downstream parameters
hazardous reactor behaviour under certain start-up conditions
seasonal and daily weather changes impacting the site water balance, water treatment rates and process liquor compositions

What is Dynamic Modelling and Simulation?

A dynamic process model, just like a real plant, consists of a flowsheet, unit operation chemistry and a control philosophy, and it is impacted on by (user-defined) events. During simulation the process response to these inputs is solved for at each time-step. The ultimate output from each simulation run is a time-series solution for the state of each unit operation and stream throughout the period of simulation.

Due to the computational complexity of solving large systems of inter-dependant differential equations, dynamic modelling is generally undertaken on a smaller scope than a steady-state model of the same process; for example a large flowsheet may be modelled at a reduced level of detail and a highly detailed dynamic model may be restricted to looking at just a small section of the process.

We offer dynamic modelling in ITHACA^®, an application developed in-house. ITHACA^® allows the user to simulate a process flowsheet complete with multi-phase chemistry, process control schemes and discrete events.

We bring a personal and effective approach to every project we work on, which is why our clients keep coming back.
Director & Principal Engineer, Oliver Kloiber-Deane BEng(Chem) MSc(Math)

Our Services

Steady-State Modelling Dynamic Modelling & Simulation Process Optimisation Operability Studies

Further Info

Fidelity

The degree of fidelity to reality required of a model should be judged carefully: the solution must be sufficiently accurate to correctly answer the questions posed without wasting time modelling features that have no significant impact on outcomes. For this reason process models built over the life of a project typically range from very simple at the desktop-study stage to highly detailed at the engineering and commissioning stages. Models may then continue to be evolved during plant operation in order to optimise the process for new feed-stock, de-bottleneck for greater throughput, etc.

Workflow

Close communication with our client and adherence to client specification documents (process design criteria, process flow diagrams, control philosophy, etc) is our standard approach. Client input is typically required on a range of issues throughout a modelling project. For example process modelling during a flow-sheet development stage often uncovers issues in the process design that had not yet been considered by the design team - commonly water balance, impurities build-up and related effluent treatment issues for hydrometallurgical flow-sheets.

We also find that a period of time spent in the same physical location as the client in the early stages of modelling a complex flowsheet can speed up delivery by removing communication delays.

Deliverables

Our typical deliverable is an electronic file containing process simulation output data and a report that illustrates the model flow-sheet; demonstrates the model's fidelity to the client's design criteria; lists and justifies any assumptions made; and provides a brief analysis of outcomes. If necessary a section will also illustrate any process risks and sensitivities that may have been uncovered. We are also happy to supply the live model files which thereafter allows the client to view and modify the models themselves.

Pricing

Please contact us with details of your job for an obligation-free discussion and a competitive quote. For a well-defined scope of work we are happy to offer a fixed price.

Contact Us

Please contact us for an obligation-free discussion of your needs.

PO Box 3354 Newmarket QLD Australia
info@elementrescon.com.au
+61 (0)408 949 793
elementrescon.com.au