(218c) BPA Process Development Using Aspen Modeling: The “Interface” Between Technology & Operations

An ASPENTECH™ simulation workbook was built for SABIC^TM at its BPA Plant in Mt. Vernon, IN. The workbook was designed to allow users to troubleshoot, optimize, and improve the BPA Process. The excel interface provided a powerful tool for the manufacturing and operations teams to run cases testing the process capability and potential changes from the baseline operating conditions. Examples include the impact of reaction feed compositions and catalyst activity on the plant production as well as the effect of the purge treatment in the BPA recovery section. The workbook served to illustrate the effects of key process input changes.

            The excel worksheet is connected to the overall BPA ASPEN PLUS^TM process model. There is an individual worksheet for the reaction, dehydration, separation, and recovery sections. However, each section is run on the same model so changes in one section affect the results in another. Highlights of the interface and its utilizations are emphasized in this presentation.

SABIC is a trademark of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation or its affiliates

ASPENTECH and ASPEN PLUS is a trademark of ASPEN TECHNOLOGY, INC.