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ChemSep.org
Contact
Tel: ++1 315 268 6652
Fax: ++1 315 268 6654
Clarkson University
New York 13699-5705
USA
Project description: Modeling non-equilibrium separation processes
ChemSepTM is a software system for modeling distillation, absorption, and extraction operations. ChemSep was designed to be easy to
use by students with no experience of engineering software, while having sufficient flexibility and power to appeal to expert users.
ChemSep features a very detailed non-equilibrium column model. This model requires many additional physical properties of
multicomponent mixtures in comparison with the more commonly used equilibrium models. Furthermore, models for the mass and heat transfer
coefficients, interfacial area, and flow models are needed. A great many different models are built into ChemSep. It is also possible
for users to add their own models without major difficulties.
The nonequilibrium model in ChemSep has been endowed with a design mode; the program actually provides a design of the equipment type
that you have chosen to use for the simulation (sieve tray column, column with wire mesh structured packing, for example). This is
important because it allows the program to simulate columns that do not yet exist (i.e. for preliminary design purposes).
Extensions to ChemSep include nonequilibrium reactive distillation models for steady state and dynamic operation, a nonequilibrium
model of three-phase distillation, or nonequilibrium cell model to describe, among other things, maldistribution in packed columns.
Further, a version running on Linux and the use of XML for ChemSep data files is in progress. A CAPE-OPEN compliant version of ChemSep
will allow engineers the use of such models within the working environments they are accustomed to.
Benefits achieved
This CAPE OPEN version now is working as a unit operation block inside CO compliant flowsheet environments (e.g. HYSYS). In the future
we hope to make it possible for ChemSep to access CO thermodynamic property routines and data banks, as well as numerical routines. A
full CO compliant version of ChemSep will allow many more users of standard commercial flowsheet simulation systems to have access to a
detailed nonequilibrium model. Such models can be invaluable in certain areas of process simulation and design. | 
