Chemical Process Modelling (Free Software)

Click on this link for a free download of Chemical Process Simulation v3.2. Microsoft's .NET Framework v2.0 is required, this can be obtained from www.microsoft.com/downloads/. The zip-file that will download contains a free-standing executable (.exe) file, which will run happily on a stand-alone machine, but may require some technical assistance to install if you want to run it across a school network.The zip file also contains a Powerpoint introduction, plus student worksheet and teacher's guide.

This software is free, thanks to the generosity of the Royal Society of Chemistry .

This simple to use simulation allows the pupil user to experience what it might be like to operate a continuous-flow chemical reactor for a period of 24 hours, during which time the product yield must be optimised while the amount of waste product and running costs minimised to maximise profits. During the 24 hour period (which lasts 24 minutes or less) students can achieve this optimal yield/profit by changing and controlling the temperature of the reaction and the energy given to the purification of the product mixture. They can also alter the composition of the reaction mixture.

CPS v3.2 has been available since the middle of March 2006. This version has the ability to allow waste material to be recycled, if desired, but incurring an energy cost. Pupils must decide which is most cost-effective - saving materials, energy, or some compromise.

Previous versions of this simulation have been used successfully at:

• Salters' Chemistry Camp, University of Kent at Canterbury, July 2001.
• St Dunstan's College, London, Activity Week July 2002.
• St Dunstan's College, London, Activity Week July 2003.
• Salters' Chemistry Camp, University of York, August 2003.
• 'Chemistry at Work', an RSC sponsored event, University of York, March/April 2004.
• Salters' Chemistry Camp, University of Ulster, August 2004.
• Salters' Chemistry Camp, University of York, August 2004.
• 'Chemistry at Work', an RSC sponsored event, University of York, April 2005.
• 'Chemistry at Work', an RSC sponsored event, University of York, April 2006.
• 'Chemistry at Work', an RSC sponsored event, University of York, June 2006.

The simulation is aimed at fairly able pupils in Year 10 and would be ideal for gifted & talented pupils. The program has a graphical interface similar to the mimic screens found in real computer-controlled chemical reactors. Here are some comments about version 2.0 from an appreciative CPS user:

"... all the kids seemed to enjoy themselves, and most of them were entirely engaged with the task in hand ... running this simulation for 'Chemistry at Work' was a lot more satisfying and a lot less stressful than the wet chemistry activity ... not to mention the lack of washing up! ... I also feel that the kids all got much more out of this activity. ... It looks as though I'm going to be asked to run a workshop again next year, so please can I book the software now! ... Many thanks again for allowing me to use your software, everyone was very impressed ... "

Dr Annie Hodgson, Department of Chemistry, University of York (April 2004).

Follow this link to download a PowerPoint 2003 presentation describing CPS v3.2 (approx. 1.0MB).

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