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The PSE Model-Based Innovation Prize

The winner for 2009 ...

We are pleased to announce that the winners of the 2009 PSE Model-Based Innovation Prize prize are: Raquel Durana Moita, Henrique A. Matos, Cristina Fernandes, Clemente Pedro Nunes and Mário Jorge Pinho from the Instituto Superior Técnico of Lisbon, Portugal for their paper Dynamic modelling and simulation of a heated brine spray system, published in Computers and Chemical Engineering in February 2009.

Runners up are:

Fabrizio Bezzo, Federico Galvanin and Massimiliano Barolo of the University of Padova for their paper Online Model-Based Redesign of Experiments for Parameter Estimation in Dynamic Systems, published in Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research in March 2009.
Mladen Eic, Qinglin Huang and Amir Malekian of the University of New Brunswick for their paper Optimization of PSA process for producing enriched hydrogen from plasma reactor gas, published in Separation and Purification Technology in August 2008.

The judges summarised the winning paper as "excellent work presenting a detailed integrated dynamic model of a novel process that has been well-validated using industrial data. The developed model provides a good basis for optimisation of design and operation for similar industrial processes. The research also addresses energy efficiency issues."

The winners

Raquel Durana Moita

Prof. Henrique Matos

Prof. Cristina Fernandes

Prof. Clemente Nunes

Overview of winning paper

The work presents a detailed integrated dynamic model of a heated brine spray system that is used in NaCl salt recrystallisation ponds in Pombal, Portugal. The salt recrystallisation unit is integrated with a cogeneration unit to increase the global process efficiency.

In the process a concentrated brine solution, with initial temperatures from 65 to 85^◦C, is sprayed into the surrounding air (temperatures around 5–30 ^◦C), depending on wind conditions.

The purpose is to help increase water evaporation, and therefore salt production, as well as cooling the brine inside the ponds in order to maintain the water temperatures in the associated cogeneration system within required limits. The spray system includes a set of nozzles that are distributed along the salt recrystallisation ponds.

The main goal of the study covered by the paper was to build a model of this complex system in order to predict its behaviour through dynamic simulation and to optimise its performance.

Apart from its technical quality, the work is novel in that most papers referring to spray system modelling show features at either different conditions (hot air, low velocities of drops, drift issues, etc.) or for different solutions (one pure component – water – or suspended solids, for instance).

Previous work in spray system applications areas – for example, sprinkler irrigation, spray drying, fire extinguishers, etc. – does not represent the key characteristics of the brine spray system, in particular the atmospheric and operating conditions, nozzles types, or – critically – the crystallisation phenomenon.

We used gPROMS^® in preference to other software because, to the authors' knowledge, it is easier, more efficient and user friendly, with its versatile modelling environment. It allows quick analysis of the results obtained, and it has several powerful mathematical solvers to choose from, which can also be personalized. Furthermore, it aggregates several activities: modelling, dynamic simulation and optimisation, parameter estimation, model validation, and experiment design. For the case being analysed in the paper, its advanced feature stochastic simulation was crucial.

Raquel Durana Moita, Instituto Superior Técnico

Approach

According to submitting author Raquel Durana Moita, the system was modelled using the following approach:

A three-dimensional dynamic model was developed that incorporated two sub-models – a single-drop model and the spray system model. The single drop model, which is based on the ballistics theory, includes material and energy balances, and calculates each drop trajectory and velocity as it exits the nozzle, as well as its temperature, salt concentration and volume. The spray system model accounts for the full-cone spray-nozzle by considering a set of random defined drops.

The integrated model was implemented in gPROMS and a sensitivity analysis of key model parameters performed.

Model predictions were compared with literature data on drop trajectories and evaporation rates. The model was then validated against data from the NaCl recrystallisation industrial ponds in Pombal.

The validation showed that model predictions are in good agreement with both literature and industrial data. The developed model provides a reliable basis for the simulation, design and optimisation of similar systems.

The MBI Prize

In acknowledgement of gPROMS's increasing role in academic research, PSE offers an annual €5000 prize to the authors of the best paper whose results are substantially based on results obtained using gPROMS.

The MBI prize is open to researchers from industry, academia and research organisations. The judges favour research that focuses on novel areas of process and related technology or novel approaches to traditional process areas, as well as applications that have a positive impact on society and the environment. The prize is awarded at a major chemical engineering event each year.

The organisers would like to thank all those who submitted entries for their interest and efforts. You are encouraged to submit an entry in next year's event, which will be announced in the first quarter of 2010.