We have been exploring several types of Process Simulators such as Aspen Plus, HYSYS and UniSim as well as free alternatives such as DWSIM and Coco Simulator. Now its time to check out PRO/II of Schneider Electric / AVEVA.
A little bit of Context
Schneider Electric was one of the pioneers to create and launch a Process Simulation Tool. It is one of the leading companies in manufacturing, mining and chemicals well as petroleum refining.
It was previously part of the family of SimSci, a set of tools for general process engineering applications. After S.E. merger with AVEVA, the product left was PRO/II.
Now, PRO/II is a powerful steady-state process simulator aimed for process design and operational analysis for process engineers in the chemical, petroleum, natural gas, solids processing, and polymer industries.
The GUI
In my opinion, it is one of the best Graphical User Interphases. Very clear and neat, easy to find, ordered and does not makes it “complex” for the user to find common commands/tools and menus.
Advantages & Disadvantages
As many software in the process simulation industry, the advantages and disadvantages will depend on the use and application of the these.
Advantages
- Cheaper than AspenTech Software
- Leads in the Mining Industry
- Friendly GUI
- Easier to customize
- Acceptable amount of Unit Operations (Blocks)
- Has Petroleum Assays (TBP & Others)
- Can be converted to HYSYS easily (PRO-II Converter)
Disadvantages
- You can’t change the convergence method as easy as in AspenTech
- Mostly designed for Steady State
- Only 1700 compounds in pre-existing databanks
- Mostly dedicated for “simple” and “common” processes
What is your experience with PRO/II? Have you tried already?
Please share your experience with us in the comment section below!