Comparison of Aspen Plus and HYSYS Software

Aspen Plus Software

Aspen Plus, commonly referred to as “Aspen,” is a comprehensive and widely-used software for simulating and designing chemical processes. The term “Aspen” is an acronym for Advanced System for Process Engineering. This software is a product of Aspentech and is offered as a complete software package called AspenONE. In this document, we will compare Aspen HYSYS and Aspen Plus.

AspenONE features a robust database of compounds, properties, and various process models, making complex mathematical and thermodynamic calculations straightforward. Aspen Plus can be utilized for the design, development, optimization, and improvement of operational conditions in petrochemical and refinery processes.

One distinguishing feature of Aspen Plus is its capability to simulate and design polymer process units and solid material processes, setting it apart from other software.

Aspen HYSYS Software

Aspen HYSYS is recognized as one of the powerful tools in chemical engineering. This software, developed by the renowned AspenTech, excels in simulating processes related to refining, petrochemicals, electrolytes, and solid materials. The high accuracy of the software, stemming from its property packages for various materials, allows it to present highly realistic models. HYSYS performs lengthy and complex engineering calculations in minimal time using the most accurate methods available.

In Iran, companies involved in the oil, gas, refinery, and petrochemical sectors predominantly use this software. HYSYS enables not only the simulation of chemical units but also allows for the individual simulation and analysis of each piece of process equipment.

Comparison of Aspen HYSYS and Aspen Plus

Both of these software tools have extensive applications in simulation; however, each possesses unique strengths and weaknesses. Below, we will examine the advantages of each software, enabling you to determine when to use which one.

Ease of Use

For those new to simulation, starting with HYSYS is recommended due to its more user-friendly and simpler interface compared to Aspen Plus.

Database Comparison

Aspen Plus has a much larger database than HYSYS. Therefore, when simulating unconventional materials, Aspen Plus is the more sensible choice.

Thermodynamic Data and Equations

In this area, Aspen Plus encompasses a broader range of data. Its database includes numerous relationships for predicting properties and extensive information on binary coefficients for materials. Additionally, Aspen Plus suggests thermodynamic equations based on the type of process being simulated.

Special Condition Features

Due to its strong database, Aspen Plus can simulate polymer and electrolytic processes, which is not easily achievable in HYSYS. Furthermore, Aspen Plus allows for the estimation of material properties, phase analyses, regression, and optimization with ease, while HYSYS lacks some of these functionalities.

In this comparison, we focused on parameters of greater importance; however, there are undoubtedly more aspects that could be highlighted as strengths or weaknesses of both software.

Features of Aspen Plus

Sensitivity Analysis

Sensitivity analysis is a tool that determines how a process reacts to changes in key design or operational variables. This feature allows for the adjustment of one or more variables and the examination of their impact on other process variables. It also helps to define a design or operational variable in a way that optimizes specified target variables.

Design Spec Capability

The Design Specification feature accepts a variable as a target variable and another as an input variable, with the task of reaching the specified target through changes in the input variable.

Analysis Properties Capability

This capability is used for analyzing estimated physical properties within the software.

This comparison outlines the critical parameters between Aspen HYSYS and Aspen Plus, providing insights into their unique functionalities and applications.

Capabilities of HYSYS Software

Efficient Complex Calculations

HYSYS utilizes its powerful processor to solve challenging engineering problems in minimal time, providing the most accurate analyses.

Creation of New Models for System Comparison

The software allows for the development of new models that can be compared with existing systems.

Comprehensive Thermodynamics

HYSYS boasts a complete collection of pure chemical substances and their associated property packages. It includes various thermodynamic equations, activity coefficients, and a wealth of other thermodynamic data in its library. This enables the accurate simulation of many ideal, quasi-ideal, and non-ideal systems under high pressure. Additionally, HYSYS allows users to easily add substances not found in its library, predicting their physical and chemical properties.

Comprehensive Unit Operations

HYSYS can simulate a wide range of process equipment, including various reactors, distillation and extraction columns, heat exchangers, mixers, pumps, compressors, and material separation devices, along with various logical operations. It can accurately simulate chemical processes, allowing for detailed analysis.

Modification and Improvement of Simulations

Users can simulate chemical processes and apply desired changes to the process using HYSYS. This functionality allows for visible and comparable results of process alterations. HYSYS is frequently used to optimize products and operational conditions.

Steady-State and Dynamic Process Simulation

The newer versions of the software support both steady-state and dynamic simulations. This capability is also available in Aspen Plus through an additional module known as Aspen Plus Dynamic.

Creation of Realistic Models

The simulation results generated by HYSYS are highly accurate based on the software’s assumptions. These results can be compared to real-world outcomes, and with correct assumptions, errors can be minimized. HYSYS also allows for the modeling of chemical processes to predict system behavior under varying operational conditions.

Conclusion

Given these features, both Aspen HYSYS and Aspen Plus are widely used in the oil and gas industries. As a process engineer, it is essential to familiarize yourself with at least these two software tools to adapt quickly and effectively to the challenges you may face in your career.