A. Husain et al., MODELING, SIMULATION, OPTIMIZATION AND CONTROL OF MULTISTAGE FLASHING(MSF) DESALINATION PLANTS .1. MODELING AND SIMULATION, Desalination, 92(1-3), 1993, pp. 21-41
Multistage flashing (MSF) processes can be represented by both steady-
state and dynamic models. The former is a useful tool for the design,
understanding and optimization of existing as well as new plants. Dyna
mic models are required for solving problems in the transient phase. T
his, in turn, includes problems such as control strategies, stability
assessment, process interactions, trouble shooting, start-up, load cha
nges and shutdown scheduling. This part of the paper offers an assessm
ent of modelling and simulation studies for the MSF plants. Normally a
n MSF process is a nonlinear recycle process with a closed loop inform
ation flow. Solution methods recognising these features must be used.
One is the simultaneous approach (equation oriented) and the other is
stage by stage (sequential) approach. Advantages and disadvantages of
both the solution procedures are discussed, in view of minimizing the
computational effort. In general, computer based process simulation ca
n be done either by using a specific (specially developed) program or
by applying a general purpose simulation package. For several reasons,
a specific program is preferred for the MSF process simulation. An av
ailable general simulator, however, can be used to get initial simulat
ion results. In this paper, use of both types of programs is evaluated
for the steady-state and dynamic simulations of the MSF plants. Appli
cations of steady state modelling for parametric studies, such as desi
gn prediction of long-term operation and optimization, as well as of d
ynamic modelling for off-line and on-line simulation, like training si
mulator, investigation of dynamic behaviour, and implementation of adv
anced control strategies are discussed in the paper.