Novus Energy Chooses IPS to Help Design 2nd-Generation Biofuels Processes

Invensys Process Systems (IPS), a global technology, software and consulting firm, today announced that it will supply simulation software and other products from its Process Engineering Suite (PES) of solutions to help design second-generation biofuels processes for Novus Energy, LLC, a Minnesota-based renewable fuels development company.

As the world migrates to second-generation biofuels that reduce emissions while fueling their energy needs in a sustainable manner, new processes must be designed and developed. This includes building and operating new biofuel plants. Efficient and safe design of these new plants using simulation software has proven that being more environmentally responsible does not negatively impact the bottom line. Instead, it not only improves the bottom line, it also aids in bringing the plant online faster.

"Global production of biofuels is increasing in response to worldwide demand. PRO/II™ modeling software and other products within our PES of solutions will not only design environmentally friendly and safe processes, but also help Novus Energy reduce their capital and operating costs," said Joseph McMullen, PES Product Manager for IPS. "Our PRO/II solution provides the functionality and flexibility required to model high fidelity biofuel processes with integrated correlations and reaction models. Additionally, the other products in our PES contribute to efficient and safe process design. It is good for the environment and for the bottom line."

PES is a consistent set of technically superior tools for process engineering design and operational analysis. The integrated suite of software readily interfaces with other applications commonly used by process engineers, thus enhancing productivity in the plant lifecycle. PES consists of the company’s PRO/II, HEXTRAN™, INPLANT™, VISUAL FLOW™ and DATACON™ software solutions. PRO/II software provides general-purpose process flow sheeting and optimization. HEXTRAN software is a comprehensive heat-transfer simulation and pinch analysis program. INPLANT software provides multiphase, fluid flow simulation for plant piping networks. VISUAL FLOW software is used for the design and modeling of safety systems and pressure relief networks. Together these products provide engineers with everything needed to efficiently design a safe operating process.

"We chose IPS’ Process Engineering Suite because of its diverse set of programs that allows process simulation modeling to improve our heat recovery processes, data reconciliation, and operational verification and what-if scenarios," said Al Burbeck, Vice President Engineering and Operations of Novus Energy. "Our process is substantially thermal catalytic at elevated pressures and temperatures, and PES is well suited to help us design and maximize our facilities. In addition to that, IPS has provided outstanding support."