STOCHASTIC MODELING OF CHEMICAL PROCESSES

Conventional simulation models and process simulators treat the design variables in process calculations deterministically. Such an approach does not take into consideration the implicit and explicit uncertainties typically associated with process flowsheets, especially at the early stages of process development. This paper presents a new stochastic modeling capability implemented in the ASPEN process simulator, which provides a useful tool for design, analysis and decision-making in the face of uncertainties. The use of this new capability is illustrated for simple and complex chemical process flowsheets.