4. Connecting CHEMCAD to the Wolfram Cloud for Flash Calculations

CHEMCAD is a suite of software for the simulation of chemical processes and the design of process equipment. Mathematica is an entirely different type of software, providing powerful computer algebra tools and mathematical functions for the theoretical or numerical solution of advanced mathematical problems. Mathematica can be run locally on the desktop and through the Wolfram Cloud. Either platform allows the deployment of functions to the Wolfram Cloud, and these functions can be accessed over the internet in Excel. In Reference 1, we showed how to connect CHEMCAD to Excel using Mathematica Link For Excel, which runs locally on the desktop computer. This data set extends that study by providing instructions with an example for connecting CHEMCAD to Mathematica functions deployed on the Wolfram Cloud. The connection is made using CHEMCAD data mapping to Excel running Wolfram Cloud Connector.

The example is a simple flash calculation with a fully specified feed stream split by the flash into vapor and liquid streams. The calculation uses ideal Raoult's Law K values. Similarly to Reference 2, we invoked the symbolic engine in Mathematica, specifying only the governing equations and letting Mathematica arrive at the solution. The results are interesting because they demonstrate that a wide range of advanced design and simulation equations can be posed in Mathematica, deployed to the cloud, and run live in CHEMCAD by many users. Files and instructions for connecting the software using Wolfram Cloud Connector are included. The software prerequisites are working, licensed copies of Mathematica, CHEMCAD, and Mathematica Link for Excel. Users without licenses can request free trials from the vendors.