Fluid Packages in Aspen Hysys – Selection Guide

1. Thermodynamic Models
Thermodynamic models are used to represent the phase equilibrium behavior and energy level of pure
compound and mixture systems.

2. Recommendations – Selection of the Appropriate Thermodynamics Package

» Eric Carlson’s Recommendations
» Aspen Hysys Recommendations

3. Models – Aspen HYSYS contains over 30 thermodynamic models

1. Equations of State
2. Activity Coefficient Models
3. Vapor Pressure Models
4. Semi-Empirical Models
5. Specialty Models

3.1 Equation of State

3.1.1. Peng-Robinson
» most enhanced in Hysys
» highest T & P range
» has special treatment for key components
» largest binary interaction database: good standard for hydrocarbons
3.1.2. PRSV
» extends PR to moderately non-ideal systems and better represents poor components and
mixtures
» Adds a new parameter to the equation
» Slower calculation speeds than Peng-Robinson
3.1.3. SRK
» modified Redlich Kwong model
» Similar accuracy/use as Peng Rob, but in Hysys SRK has less enhancements than PR
3.1.4. PR-Twu & SR-Twu
» for hydrogen solutes in liquid hydrocarbons
3.1.5. TST
» hydrocarbons with non-ideal components (used in glycol package)
3.1.6. GCEOS
» generalized cubic EOS for user to add their own parameters
» Use this to build your own model when necessary
3.1.7. MBWR
» a modification of the old BWR models: 32 parameters, more empirical approach
» so it works very well in the range where it has data
 3.1.8. Lee-Kesler-Pockler
» modified BWR for non-polar substances, mixtures
3.1.9. BWRS
» modified BWR for multicomponents, requires experimental data
3.1.10. Zudkevitch Joffee
» modified RK method for VLE, systems with H2
3.1.11. Kabadi-Danner
» modified SRK with Liquid-Liquid-Equilibrium calculations for liquid H2O-Hydrocarbon
systems, especially dilute, parameters must be tuned to experimental data
3.1.12. Sour PR/SRK
» sour water systems with H2S, CO2, NH3 at low to moderate P
3.2. Vapor Pressure Method
These models OK for hydrocarbons. Historically they were used since computationally they are easier. Now with
modern computers EOS models are easy to run, so vapour pressure models are used less often. However, Braun
K10 is still good for vacuum units.
3.2.1. Modified Antonie
» Suitable for low pressure ideal systems
3.2.2. Braun K10 Model
» strictly applicable to only heavy Hydrocarbons @ low pressures
3.2.3. Esso K
» only heavy Hydrocarbons @ low Press
3.3. Semi Empirical Models
3.3.1. Chao-Seader
» hydrocarbons if T = 0-500C, P<10,000 kPa
3.3.2. Grayson-Streed
» Chao-Seader extension with emphasis on hydrogen
» good if heavy hydrocarbon with lots of hydrogen like hydro treaters
» Is recommended for vacuum units.
3.4. Specialty Models
3.4.1. Glycol Package
» TEG circulation rates
» purities of lean TEG, dew points and water content of gas stream used in natural gas
dehydration
» Use PR for MEG, DEG, but be careful of results outside of standard range
3.4.2. Clean Fuels
» For systems containing thiols and hydrocarbons
3.4.3. OLI
» For electrolyte systems
3.4.4. Amines Models
» For modeling sour system sweetening processes using amines (DEA, TEA, MEA, MDEA, DGA
and DIPA)
3.4.5. Steam Table Models
» ASME Steam – ASME 1967 Steam Tables
» NBS Steam – NBS 1984 Steam Tables
4. Aspen HYSYS Recommendations – Oil & Gas Applications
» Hydrocarbon systems – PR, SRK or any other EOS
» Hydrate inhibition – PR (special fit of BIP)
» Natural gas dehydration with TEG – Glycol package
» Sour gas sweetening with amines
» Utility systems using H2O – Steam Table

Aspen HYSYS Recommendations – Refining Applications

» Hydrocarbon systems up to distillate range hypo-components PR, SRK or any other EOS
» Vacuum columns – GS, PR or BK10
» Sour gas sweetening with Amines
» Sour water treatment process – Sour PR/SRK
» Clean fuels for sulfur components and hydrocarbons
» High H2 content systems – GS, PR
» Utility systems using H2O – Steam Table

Aspen HYSYS Property Packages – Summary

» Selection of the appropriate thermodynamic method is key to producing accurate simulations
» PR is the most widely used thermodynamic package as it applies to all applications involving
hydrocarbons
» Special packages should be used when simulation involves non-hydrocarbon components: TEG,
amines, sour water, etc.
» Methanol for hydrate prevention has special fit of BIPs in PR equation of state
» In refinery models, review oil characterization before suspecting thermodynamics