Hysys as a tool in the thermodynamic course for chemical engineers (first part)

Abstract

This paper presents a teaching experience in the Discipline Principles of Chemical Engineering, which consists of the simulation of problem situations of the subject Thermodynamics for Chemical Engineers, using the HYSYS process simulator. The main objective was to perform the simulation of Distillation, Flashing and Chemical Reaction operations, which are studied in the subject in the fourth year of the course and constitute important operations of the chemical industry, with the purpose of performing in a virtual way three practices In this first part, the aspects related to the Practice of Virtual Laboratory N ° 1: "Typical calculations in columns of distillation". In the development of the practices the student can appreciate the changes that the systems under study would experience when introducing variations in the variables of operation, a fact that is impossible to explore in a real process, which offers the students the possibilities of expanding the knowledge Related to Thermodynamics, managing to prepare them as more competent professionals in the field of Chemical Engineering. It is demonstrated that HYSYS is an efficient professional program for the simulation of problematic situations and realization of virtual laboratory practices, emphasizing its importance as a very useful tool for the teacher in the case of operations like these, where the existing real conditions and measures of Safety require expensive reagents and facilities, which greatly extends the applicability of this professional program in teaching and its use for other purposes.