Dynamic modelling and simulation of a chemical process in emergency conditi
ons is considered. Such modelling and simulation often requires rapid imple
mentation of model changes by the process engineer followed by simulation r
uns. A simulator with an open architecture structure is presented where the
model components (equations) an stored in an object-oriented form in a dat
abase, enabling rapid and easy modification of the model. A general-purpose
numerical solver is used for solving the model and plotting the pertinent
results. An example is presented, where the use of the proposed simulator e
nables a rapid identification of the right strategy to prevent development
of runaway temperature conditions in a reactor. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science L
td. All rights reserved.