Dynamic Flowsheet Simulation of Solids Processes and its Application to Fluidized Bed Spray Granulation

In this contribution the novel system for the dynamic flowsheet simulation of solids processes is presented. The system is generally applicable for all types of solids processes without limitation for specific process types. In a distinction to the existing flowsheet simulation systems, which have been mainly developed with a focus on fluid processes, the novel system allows to treat multidimensional distributed parameters properly.

To perform dynamic modeling of various industrial plants the library of dynamic units has been developed. These units can be easily added per drag and drop functionality onto the flowsheet and in this way the necessary process structure can be created. To make a simulation of various granulation plants the new dynamic models of fluidized bed spray granulation have been developed and implemented.

The fluidized bed spray granulation is widely used in the chemical, pharmaceutical, food and agricultural industries. In the majority of cases the granulation plants have a complex dynamic or even unstable behavior. Therefore, the dynamic simulation is one the of most effective way to understand process transient behavior, to optimize process and to develop different control strategies.

However, for the flowsheet simulation primarily empirical or semi-empirical models are used, where material microparameters and specific apparatus properties are poorly considered. To obtain more detailed estimation of process behavior, the multiscale modeling concept of solids processes has been developed. On the basis of the multiscale modeling methodology the novel multiscale simulation environment has been created. This environment consists of several models, which describe the process on different time and length scales, and has been effectively applied to the fluidized bed spray granulation process.