Spreadsheet-Based Simulator of a Flash Drum: Class Project Example for Material & Energy Balance and Phase Equilibria Courses

Authors

  • Joontaek Park Missouri University of Science and Technology, 1101 N State St, Bertelsmeyer Hall 110, Rolla, MO 65409
  • Elizabeth Matejka Missouri University of Science and Technology, 1101 N State St, Bertelsmeyer Hall 110, Rolla, MO 65409
  • Alyssa Nelson Missouri University of Science and Technology, 1101 N State St, Bertelsmeyer Hall 110, Rolla, MO 65409
  • Jared Rhodes Missouri University of Science and Technology, 1101 N State St, Bertelsmeyer Hall 110, Rolla, MO 65409

Abstract

A sample class project utilizing Excel spreadsheets to develop a flash drum simulator is demonstrated. In addition to solving equations for mole and enthalpy balances, students are trained to carry out vapor-liquid equilibrium calculations. More importantly, students gain a solid understanding of the link between hand calculations and simulator results and how it can be applied to any chemical engineering problems. 

Author Biographies

Joontaek Park, Missouri University of Science and Technology, 1101 N State St, Bertelsmeyer Hall 110, Rolla, MO 65409

Joontaek Park is an assistant professor of chemical and biochemical engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. He received his PhD in chemical engineering from University of Florida in 2009. His research focus is in the modeling and simulation of complex fluids. Before his doctoral study, he was a research engineer of SK Engineering & Construction in South Korea. He participated in the simulation and the start-up of distillation plants.  He is trying to combine his industrial experience in his courses to help students be better prepared for their professional careers. 

Elizabeth Matejka, Missouri University of Science and Technology, 1101 N State St, Bertelsmeyer Hall 110, Rolla, MO 65409

Elizabeth Matejka is a senior student studying chemical engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. Her industrial work experience includes an internship at Sensient Colors LLC working in industrial colors and more recently she has completed a co-op with Anheuser Busch-InBev working in their research pilot brewery. She is participating in the undergraduate research program with the hopes to expand her knowledge and experience in the field of chemical engineering and to be able to apply the things she has learned in real-world scenarios when she graduates.

Alyssa Nelson, Missouri University of Science and Technology, 1101 N State St, Bertelsmeyer Hall 110, Rolla, MO 65409

Alyssa K. Nelson is a senior student of chemical engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. She is the current chapter president and the former Lock-In Chair of the Society of Women Engineers, a professional organization for women in the engineering field. Participating in undergraduate research helped her better understand her desire to further her education. After graduation, she plans to continue her education by attending graduate school to pursue her doctorate in hopes to become a professor. 

Jared Rhodes, Missouri University of Science and Technology, 1101 N State St, Bertelsmeyer Hall 110, Rolla, MO 65409

Jared A. Rhodes is a graduate student of chemical engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology. He has a bachelor’s degree from the same program where he served as an undergraduate teaching assistant for many courses including Material & Energy Balances, Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics I & II, Fluid Flow, and Mathematics courses through Calculus II. As a teaching assistant his responsibilities included overseeing group tutoring sessions, grading midterm tests and finals, and covering individual lectures during the absences of the professor. He also worked for Worldwide Recycling Equipment Sales, LLC as a chemical process engineer for a year between undergraduate and graduate school.

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Published

2018-09-17

Issue

Vol. 52 No. 4 (2018): Fall 2018

Section

Class and Home Problems