SolidSim - A software tool for the flowsheet simulation of solids processes

Simulation programs that perform thermal and mass balancing in complex plant networks are now a standard tool in the field of fluid processes. Thanks to flow sheeting methods and the drag-and-drop functionality offered by these programs, time-consuming lab-scale and pilot-scale experiments can be reduced to a minimum. Solid processes, in contrast, are based on distributed state functions of great mathematical complexity and in such cases the limits of flow sheeting methods are exposed. In many cases, systems of equations are developed in Excel, but these tend to be impenetrable to anyone not involved in their development.

However, these difficulties can now be eliminated thanks to the simulation software SolidSim [...]

Evonik’s Process Technology unit (VT) [...] is now using the software for the specific purpose of designing solid processes.

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 [...] Nowadays, software tools for the flowsheet simulation of industrial processes are commonly used for design, simulation, balancing, troubleshooting and optimization purposes. However, the applications normally are restricted to fluid processes, since the established simulation systems are not able to describe bulk solids in an adequate way. In order to fill this gap, the flowsheet simulation system SolidSim has been developed with a special focus on the description of bulk solids. [...] In this contribution the flowsheet simulation tool SolidSim is used to model a fluidized bed granulation with an external classification and grinding circuit

The Whiten function has been added to the list of separation functions that can be selected to define the grade efficiency curve. The Whiten separation function allows to consider a so called 'fish-hook' effect where for fine particle sizes the separation function first decreases.

With the latest updates a new model is available for the hydrocyclone unit. The empirical modeling approach suggested by Nageswararao that has been proven useful for certain applications in the mining industry can now be selected for hydrocyclone modeling. A detailed description of the new model is given is the update help files of the hydrocyclone unit.