Real-Time Packed Absorption Column Simulator

PiAbsorb is an advanced, interactive chemical engineering simulator that models a packed gas-absorption column in real time. The simulator replicates the behaviour of a bench-scale column in which carbon dioxide (CO₂) is absorbed from an air/CO₂ gas mixture into a counter-current water stream, a fundamental unit operation in chemical and environmental engineering.

(Get immediately PiAbsorb and practice distillation process on a computer)

info@PiControlSolutions.com, Tel: (832) 495 643

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• Real-Time Simulation: Physics engine updates every second. All instruments respond dynamically to changes in valve settings, just as in a physical laboratory.
• Three Independent Feed Streams: Separate control valves for water (HV-01), air (HV-02), and CO₂ (HV-03) allow independent manipulation of liquid and gas compositions and flow rates.
• Live Process Instruments: FI-01 (water flow, L/min), FI-02 (air flow, L/min), FI-03 (CO₂ flow, L/min), FL-01 (flooding percentage, %), and pH-01 (outlet liquid pH) update continuously on the main process diagram.
• Flooding Indicator: Empirical flooding correlation calculates column loading (%) from liquid and gas flows. A colour-coded indicator warns when the column approaches flood.
• Real-Time Trend Charts: Separate chart panels display time histories of flow rates and outlet pH. Charts scroll automatically and can be zoomed for detailed analysis.
• Virtual Titration Panel: Users collect a liquid sample at any time, then perform a simulated acid-base titration (NaOH vs. carbonic acid) to determine dissolved CO₂ concentration, replicating a standard wet-chemistry procedure.
• Data Logging & CSV Export: All process variables are logged at every simulation step and can be exported to a comma-separated values (CSV) file for post-processing in Excel or Python.
• Configurable INI File: Key physical and instrument parameters (time constants, max flow rates, flooding coefficients, Henry’s Law constant, NTU coefficient) are stored in a plain-text INI file, allowing instructors to recalibrate the model without recompiling the software.
• No Internet Connection Required: Installs and runs entirely on a Windows PC. No licence server or cloud dependency, and no student data ever leaves the local machine.

The main window displays a P&ID-style process diagram of the absorption column. Each instrument tag corresponds to a live measurement; valve positions are adjusted with on-screen sliders.

PiAbsorb continuously logs and plots key process variables. Real-time scrolling trend charts are provided for:

• Flow rates: FI-01 (water), FI-02 (air), and FI-03 (CO₂) on the same axis
• Titration panel

All data can be exported to a CSV file at any time. The export includes a timestamped header and columns for each instrument tag, making it straightforward to import into Excel, MATLAB, or Python for further analysis and comparison against theoretical calculations.

• Chemical Engineering Students: Visualise and experiment with mass transfer theory studied in unit operations and separation processes courses. No physical equipment required.
• Process Engineers & Technicians: Use the simulator for preliminary troubleshooting of industrial absorption and scrubbing systems, or to explore the effect of operating parameter changes before implementing them on a real plant.
• Educators & Instructors: Design structured experiments, set target operating conditions, and demonstrate flooding, L/G ratio effects, and pH response live in front of a class.
• Researchers: Validate mass transfer correlations, explore model parameters, and generate synthetic datasets for comparison with experimental data.

• Hands-On Without the Hazards: CO₂ absorption experiments involve pressurised gas cylinders and chemical waste. PiAbsorb eliminates all associated risks while preserving the learning value.
• Cost-Effective: No equipment, consumables, or maintenance costs. A single software licence supports an entire class of students simultaneously.
• Flexible & Repeatable: Students can reset the simulator instantly and repeat experiments as many times as needed, something that would be impossible with a physical column on a shared laboratory schedule.
• Accessible Anywhere: Runs on any Windows PC. Students can continue their work at home, in the library, or remotely, making it ideal for hybrid and online delivery.
• Instructor Customisable: The plain-text INI configuration file lets instructors adjust physical parameters to create different ‘column’ scenarios without modifying source code.
• Industry 4.0 Ready: Simulates an operator station experience, preparing students for the digital process environments found in modern chemical plants and refineries.

• User Manual: Step-by-step guide to all simulator features: startup, instrument overview, running experiments, data export, and configuration.
• Case Study: Four guided laboratory tasks covering flooding, L/G ratio, absorption efficiency, and dynamic response, with pre-lab questions, data tables, and post-lab analysis prompts.
• Configuration Reference: Description of every parameter in PiAbsorbConfig.INI with units, default values, and guidance for customisation.

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