home / skills / a5c-ai / babysitter / aspen-plus-simulator

aspen-plus-simulator skill

safe

/plugins/babysitter/skills/babysit/process/specializations/domains/science/chemical-engineering/skills/aspen-plus-simulator

This skill enables Aspen Plus steady-state simulation, thermodynamic modeling, and equipment sizing assistance within automated workflows for accurate process

npx playbooks add skill a5c-ai/babysitter --skill aspen-plus-simulator

Review the files below or copy the command above to add this skill to your agents.

Files (1)

SKILL.md

1.9 KB

---
name: aspen-plus-simulator
description: Aspen Plus integration skill for steady-state process simulation, thermodynamic modeling, and equipment rating
allowed-tools:
  - Read
  - Write
  - Glob
  - Grep
  - Edit
  - Bash
metadata:
  specialization: chemical-engineering
  domain: science
  category: Process Simulation
  skill-id: CE-SK-001
---

# Aspen Plus Simulator Skill

## Purpose

The Aspen Plus Simulator Skill provides integration with Aspen Plus for steady-state process simulation, thermodynamic modeling, property estimation, and equipment design calculations.

## Capabilities

- Process flowsheet construction and simulation
- Thermodynamic model selection (NRTL, SRK, PRMHV2, UNIFAC)
- Property estimation (DIPPR, Joback methods)
- Equipment rating and design modes
- Sensitivity analysis and optimization
- Report generation and stream table export
- Convergence troubleshooting
- Custom unit operation modeling
- Economic analysis integration

## Usage Guidelines

### When to Use
- Developing process simulation models
- Evaluating thermodynamic properties
- Sizing and rating equipment
- Optimizing process conditions

### Prerequisites
- Process flow diagram available
- Component list defined
- Operating conditions specified
- Thermodynamic data requirements identified

### Best Practices
- Select appropriate thermodynamic models
- Validate against experimental data
- Document all assumptions
- Perform sensitivity analysis

## Process Integration

This skill integrates with:
- Process Flow Diagram Development
- Heat Integration Analysis
- Equipment Sizing and Specification

## Configuration

```yaml
aspen-plus-simulator:
  thermodynamic-models:
    - NRTL
    - SRK
    - Peng-Robinson
    - UNIFAC
  unit-operations:
    - columns
    - reactors
    - heat-exchangers
    - separators
```

## Output Artifacts

- Simulation files
- Stream tables
- Equipment specifications
- Optimization results
- Property reports

Overview

This skill provides Aspen Plus integration for steady-state process simulation, thermodynamic modeling, property estimation, and equipment rating. It connects process definitions, component data, and operating conditions to generate validated simulation files, stream tables, and equipment specifications. The skill is designed to accelerate model setup, run sensitivity studies, and produce exportable reports for design and economic analysis.

How this skill works

The skill constructs flowsheets from supplied process diagrams and component lists, selects or suggests thermodynamic models (NRTL, SRK, Peng-Robinson, UNIFAC), and runs steady-state simulations to convergence. It extracts stream properties, performs property estimation with DIPPR or Joback where needed, and computes equipment ratings and design outputs. Results are returned as simulation files, stream tables, equipment specs, and optimization reports for downstream use.

When to use it

Building or validating steady-state process simulation models
Selecting and validating thermodynamic models for mixtures
Sizing and rating heat exchangers, columns, reactors, and separators
Running sensitivity analysis or optimization studies
Generating stream tables and exportable simulation reports

Best practices

Provide a clear process flow diagram and complete component list before simulation setup
Choose thermodynamic models appropriate for the chemistry and phase behavior and validate against experimental data
Document all assumptions, basis conditions, and property sources in the model
Run sensitivity analyses on key parameters and check convergence diagnostics
Export stream tables and equipment specs for independent review and economic assessment

Example use cases

Create a steady-state flowsheet for a distillation train, select NRTL for non-ideal liquid phases, and generate equipment ratings
Estimate missing physical properties using DIPPR or Joback, then re-run the simulation for updated mass and energy balances
Run a sensitivity sweep on feed temperature and reflux ratio to optimize energy consumption and product purity
Produce a consolidated report with stream tables, equipment specifications, and optimization outcomes for stakeholder review
Troubleshoot convergence issues by testing alternate thermodynamic models and initialization strategies

FAQ

What inputs do I need to run a simulation?

You need a process flow diagram or unit list, component list with known species, feed and operating conditions, and a chosen thermodynamic model.

Which thermodynamic models are available?

Common options include NRTL, SRK, Peng-Robinson, and UNIFAC; choose by phase behavior and mixture non-ideality.

Can it size equipment and export specifications?

Yes. The skill computes equipment ratings and generates specification outputs and stream tables suitable for procurement or detailed design review.