Running a Calculation

Once you have defined your process model, you can start the built-in numerical calculation kernel to solve the system.

If input data is missing when the calculation is started, IPSE issues an error message. After you acknowledge the error, IPSE opens a window where you can enter the missing values. PSE, however, can not determine at this point if the system is correctly specified. This is done during the solution process.

While the system is solved, IPSE reports the progress in a window. The first step is the system analysis which can take a few seconds. If no errors are found during system analysis, the numerical phase is started.

During the numerical phase a progress indicator displays a bar that informs you about the solution progress. The black part of this bar indicates how much of the system has already been solved. The red bar shows how much of the system is currently being solved.

If the system contains larger groups of variables the progress indicator displays a second bar that informs you about the solution progress for the currently solved group of variables. The black part of the bar indicates the current numerical error. See Figure 1 for details.

IPSE must finish the current solution step before it can terminate the calculation. This may take a few seconds.

During the solution process you cannot activate any other window. When the solution process is finished, IPSE automatically displays the results on the flowsheet. If errors or warnings have occurred during the solution process, a message is issued and you can choose if you want to open the calculation protocol straight away.

You can identify many of the problems that occur during the system solution directly in the flowsheet by observing the values that IPSE displays in the result crosses.

IPSE uses three different colors to display results:

The calculation protocol created by IPSE can also be helpful for identifying problems.

IPSE opens a window to display the protocol.