Hybrid Process Simulation for Pressure Flow Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing process network simulation systems face challenges in efficiently solving pressure and flow parameters in real-time, particularly in large networks, due to slow propagation of calculations and potential numerical inaccuracies, especially when using centralized simultaneous solving methods or sequential solving approaches.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid pressure and flow calculation technique that combines simultaneous and sequential solving methods, where pressures and flows at junction nodes are solved simultaneously to ensure mass balance, and then used to sequentially solve for other nodes, with flow conductances dynamically determined at each simulation cycle to avoid matrix singularities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If centralized simultaneous solving methods are used to solve pressure and flow parameters, then numerical accuracy is improved, but execution speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the process network into junction nodes and non-junction nodes. Simultaneous solving is applied only to junction nodes where mass balance equations are required, while non-junction nodes are solved sequentially using algebraic equations. This segmentation maintains numerical accuracy at critical junction points while significantly improving overall execution speed by avoiding simultaneous solving of all nodes.
2Productivity
If sequential solving approaches are used to solve pressure and flow parameters, then execution speed is improved, but numerical accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different solution methods to different locations in the network based on their specific requirements. Junction nodes, which require mass balance enforcement, use simultaneous solving for high numerical accuracy. Non-junction nodes, which only require algebraic calculations, use sequential solving for fast execution. This local differentiation optimizes both accuracy and speed at each location.
3Manufacturing precision
If simultaneous solving is used for all nodes, then mass balance accuracy is improved, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the computational task by identifying only junction nodes as requiring simultaneous mass balance solving. Non-junction nodes are handled through simpler sequential algebraic calculations. This segmentation reduces the size of the simultaneous equation system from all nodes to only junction nodes, significantly reducing computational complexity while maintaining mass balance accuracy where it is most critical.
4Ease of manufacture
If flow conductances are statically determined, then computational simplicity is improved, but numerical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes flow conductances dynamic by recalculating them at each simulation cycle based on current operating conditions. This dynamic determination prevents numerical instabilities and matrix singularities that can occur with static conductance values, especially in transient simulations where operating conditions change. The dynamic approach maintains computational simplicity through efficient recalculation while significantly improving numerical stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure and flow calculation technique that efficiently solves for pressures and flows within a process network uses both a simultaneous and a sequential solving method. The calculation technique first determines a flow conductance for each of the process network elements, linearizes pressure and flow relationships in each flow path by determining a linearized flow conductance for each process element and then determines a composite process network having a linearized, composite process component in each flow path to produce a simplified process network. A simultaneous solving method is then used to simultaneously solve for the pressures and flows at each of a set of junction nodes of the simplified process network and thereafter a sequential solving method is applied to determine the pressures and flows at the other nodes of the process network.