Key features of this release
Symmetry 2020.2 is an update release incorporating new features and improvements from previous versions.
Symmetry 2020.2 now includes the Aurum Optimizer Library (AOL) methods which allow a wider selection of algorithms in the Model Regression and Optimizer tools . Improvements to the Flare workspace allow additional flexibility when specifying pressure specifications per scenario and include a new kinetic energy formulation for improved convergence, stability and accuracy. Several analytical derivatives were added to the VMGThermo engine to speed up calculations and allow for additional properties to be calculated in the Peng-Robinson-based thermodynamic models.
Some of the key new features are listed below.
Productivity Tools
- Added the AOL methods: downhill simplex method with a lexicographic approach for the treatment of linear and nonlinear constraints (LEX), Augmented Lagrangian Multiplier (ALM), Mixed Integer Non-Linear Programming (MINLP), and Mixed Integer Genetic Algorithm (MIGA) to the Optimizer and Model Regression tools. All these methods support the use of the Radial Basis Function (RBF) proxy method
- Added additional end conditions for AOL methods in the Model Regression and Optimizer tools: max. optimization and regression time and % improvement
- Added integer capabilities for Mixed Integer Genetic Algorithm (MIGA) and Mixed Integer Non-Linear Programming (MINLP) methods, which also allows for optimization of string variables
- Added option to enable discrete optimization which allows for designation of a regressed variable as a discrete variable with a specified number of digits to manipulate
- Added bar chart visibility for error contribution in regression tool, which updates when the scale is modified to facilitate tuning
- Results per iteration in the Model Regression tool and a plot of the regression history results are now exposed
- Solve status in the regression iteration results is now exposed
- Model Regression and Optimizer tools can now specify an iteration state to the flowsheet
Flare Workspace
- Enabled pressure specifications for relief valves to be set per scenario, allowing for different types of specifications (accumulation, overpressure, inlet pressure, relieving pressure) in addition to the default (max. allowable). The specification type can be changed from the Scenario Manager Sources table. If the specification type is changed in the flowsheet, only the active scenario will be updated
- React to a change in the mass composition (not just mole composition) of a source in the active flowsheet to update scenario specification (relevant for automation, Component Object Model (COM) engine work)
- Added collapsed view option for Scenarios table in Scenario Manager
- Added a specification status column next to Composition in the Active Sources table in Scenario Manager
- Added new setting, Kinetic Energy Formulation, in Network solver settings
- Auto mode of Kinetic Energy Formulation selects a kinetic energy formulation for each device type for improved convergence, stability, and accuracy
Thermodynamics
- Added Parachor pure component property, calculated from Macleod-Sudgen equation
- Added Macleod-Sudgen and power law mixing models to the list of surface tension models
- Added Pedersen's classical and heavy-oil viscosity methods to the list of viscosity models
- Added interfacial tension as part of the physical properties calculated in all thermodynamic models
- Added Macleod-Sudgen, API, Kalantari, and Sutton methods to the list of available interfacial tension models
- Multiflash files can be imported to the Symmetry platform through the import button in the thermo window. The Symmetry platform will read and set components and Equation of State (EOS) parameters read from the file to create a new case. The case will include a material stream if a defined fluid composition is included in the file
- Added the following analytical derivatives to PR-based thermodynamic models: dZ_Factor/dT, dZ_Factor/dP, dZ_Factor/dn, dln Fug/dT, dln Fug/dP, dln Fug/dn, dmolar_Vol/dT, dmolar_Vol/dP, dMass_Density/dT, dMass_Density/dP, dMolar_Enthalpy/dT and dMolar_Enthalpy/dP
- Added partial molar enthalpy and volume to the list of physical properties calculated in the Symmetry platform, only available in property packages where translated volume and ln fugacity coefficient are based on the Peng-Robinson EOS
- Added linear gradient theory for surface tension and interfacial tension calculation for PR and SRK cubic equation of state. This model is not applicable for other thermodynamic models
Dynamics
- Added relief valve opening characteristics to dynamics relief valves. Supported types are proportional, spring loaded, pop action pilot, modulating action pilot, ASME VIII, ASME I, and custom. A plot was added to better visualize the characteristics and to make it easier for users to find inconsistencies in their input
Other
- Component Splitter: added a new temperature mode to the Component Splitter unit operation for equal outlet temperatures
- FCC: added the option to include a double riser FCC modelling option in Symmetry platform's FCC unit operation
- Pipe Segment: added ability to display and plot the bulk standard liquid volume in Pipe Segments (per section and cumulative)
- Process Calculator
- added ability to name Process Calculator cells for visibility when referencing in other tools
- added a Summary tab with the key information of every cell (connection, units, formulas, display name, and value)
- Property Table
- added segmentation type (linear and logarithmic) and specification for independent variable points
- expanded list of properties available: H Mass, S Mass, Cp Mass, Cv Mass, Interfacial Tension, Cp/Cv, Ideal Gas Cp/Cv, Internal Energy, JT Coefficient, Pseudo Tc, Pseudo Pc, Pseudo Vc, Specific Volume, Speed of Sound, Z from Density
- Fixed Property Table unit operation; won't recalculate when switching the phase specification
- Relief Valve: added support for back pressure curves in steady state
A full detailed list of all new features as well as improvements and fixes is available in the “What's New” document in the Symmetry platform installation.
