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SOFTWARE

large plants, certain sections are simulated module
by module. First one mass flow, then the adjacent
one. Different constellations result in a correspon-
ding number of scenarios. In order to compare
them, experts usually place XLS tables next to
each other and sort through them. The scenarios fi-
nally selected must then be transmitted to the engi-
neering system in order to pass the results on from
there to calculation tools for further calculations as
a direct transmission from simulation to calculation
is not possible.

EB saves transferring and sorting. The simulation
results can be automatically imported into EB
and consolidated, for example, into continuous
flowstreams. In addition, the platform automatically
compares the imported scenarios. It shows all the
differences in an instant, without the hassle of jum-
ping back and forth between Excel spreadsheets
The versatile model in EB consolidates the data of all core disciplines of the plant and without the risk of missing anything. Another
engineering, and communication with complementary systems (© AUCOTEC AG) plus: the finally selected scenarios are already in EB
and are thus the basis for seamless further editing
by the engineering specialists or for passing on to
a calculation tool. If a parameter changes, a new
Consistent by nature simulation is quickly compared and incorporated
into a new calculation. Even the experts who have
EB itself then consolidates all inputs as an autho- already started an object specification can see im-
ring system virtually by itself. Since the platform mediately if there have been any changes. All inte-
is THE single source of truth (SSoT) for all parties grations and comparisons take place in EB’s data
involved – from the initial concept to process de- model, which has central access to the entire plant
sign and detail engineering with instrumentation knowledge, including the engineering-relevant in-
and wiring to the function charts for automation formation from 3D, ERP and automation.
and configuration of the control system modules
– it cannot do otherwise. Once the structure has In EB’s SSoT, the editors keep enhancing the mo-
been created according to the specifications, an- del according to the given structure until a com-
yone making further entries follows it automatically. prehensive, consistent digital twin has been crea-
If PFDs and P&IDs are developed in different tools, ted, which not only serves as the origin of the plant
they are never based on the same data, even if the to be built, but also as an easily updated image of
tools come from the same manufacturer. Not so in the finished physical plant.
EB. The active consolidation of engineering disci-
plines is simply not necessary. Everything that the
PFD experts have contributed is at the same time Neutral data hub
the basis and available for elaboration by the P&ID No matter how many simulation tools, phases and
professionals and so on. This creates effortless scenarios, how many calculations, which 3D tools,
consistency incidentally, a particular advantage for ERP or control systems are in use, EB “can work
EPCs. The usual synchronizing and data transfer with any of them”, also thanks to its communica-
as well as the associated errors are saved by EB as tion standard EBML. When consolidating the va-
SSoT “by nature”. rious external data, the platform also merges, for
example, different terminology for the same object
But uniting engineering disciplines in a central into a neutral designation or transforms different
data model is only part of Aucotec’s consolidation units of measurement from the tools into a general-
principle. This is because there are still numerous ly understandable unit. Users do not need to know
supplementary systems with data relevant for en- how the various systems work and do not have to
gineering, such as ERP, simulation tools, 3D or the worry about anything, EB ensures consistency.
control systems.
In addition to the many complementary tools,
Seamlessly from scenario to EPCs also have to deal with a wide variety of
suppliers. Their data must also be integrated and
engineering consolidated. Before that, however, the suppliers
need a specific brief, for example to obtain tenders
In many cases, simulation is one of the tasks of or approvals. If an EPC wants to send a hardware
EPCs. Almost every chemical process has its own request to different manufacturers, he pulls all the
tool. Some are available on the market, many are relevant specifications from EB’s central model into
developed by the clients themselves. In the case of an intelligent data sheet. Searching and collating

44 Impiantistica Italiana - Gennaio-Febbraio 2023