The Use of Mobile Devices in Process Computation

Mordechai Shacham, Chem. Eng. , Ben-Gurion University, Beer Sheva, Israel
Michael B. Cutlip, University of Connecticut, CT , US
Michael Elly, Intel Corp., Qiryat Gat, Israel

Large scale process modeling and simulation and optimization programs, such as Aspen Plus and Hysys are routinely used for design and operation of chemical processes. However, they can be used only in locations where computers and the required programs are available. Often internet access is also essential. To enable engineers to use CAPE (computer aided process engineering) tools on mobile devices applications suitable to such devices need to be developed. To fulfil this need, we have developed the PolyMathLite (PML) application for Android-based devices. The Android operating system was selected because it is predicted that by 2017 it will be the dominant operating system for all computing devices [1].

This application is a slightly simplified version of the Polymath software package (Polymath is a product of Polymath Software). PolyMathLite solves systems of linear and nonlinear (NLE) algebraic equations, systems of ordinary differential equations (ODE) and carries out polynomial, multiple linear and nonlinear regression of data. It can solve a wide range of problems, starting with fairly simple ones typical to ChE undergraduate education[2], up to complex dynamic and steady state simulation problems typical to graduate research or industrial applications[3].

In the presentation the PolyMathLite application will be introduced and its use for solving various process design problems will be demonstrated.

References
1. Wingfield, N., "PC Sales Still in a Slump, Despite New Offerings", The New York Times, April 10, 2013.
2. Elly, M., Shacham, M., Cutlip, M.B, "The role of smartphones and tablets in numerical problem solving", Education Division 2013 - Core Programming Area at the 2013 AIChE Annual Meeting: Global Challenges for Engineering a Sustainable Future, pp. 367-370 (2013)
3. Shacham, M., Cutlip, M.B., Elly, M., "The Role of Mobile Devices in Computer Aided Process Engineering", Computer Aided Chemical Engineering 33, 349-354(2014)