Automation in the simulation of processes with Aspen HYSYS: An academic approach

Aspen HYSYS is a typical tool used in some Master in Chemical Engineering courses at the University of Castilla-La Mancha like Analysis and Optimization of Chemical Processes and Dynamic of Process: Regulation of Chemical Plants. Automation is the process of linking commercial software to third-parties applications built in EXCEL-Visual Basic for Applications. The capability of automation as a powerful tool for simulating unprecedented complex processes suggests that it could be a relevant background complement to the classical one offered by a university. In this sense, a seminar about automation based on the study of two cases: a refrigeration process and a production one taken from literature, has been proposed at the University of Castilla-La Mancha. The analysis of the survey performed for the subject evaluation resulted to be very positive. Students consider the methodology of the course and the potentiality of automation for developing their research and professional skills appropriately. However, more examples are required to better understand the automation concept and its potential application to other situations. Finally, they declare that the concept of automation requires a lot of expertise and deep knowledge of programming and the correct application of numerical methods for solving complex problems.

Automated summary

Aspen HYSYS is commonly used in Chemical Engineering courses at the University of Castilla-La Mancha, and automation is seen as a powerful tool for simulating complex processes. A seminar on automation has had a positive impact on students, although more examples are needed for better understanding and application of automation.