The user defines the problem by drawing the Block Flow Diagram (BFD), like one shown above, of the refinery using the mouse and filling data into a few forms accessed through menus.  In addition, the yield submodels for process units ( e.g. hydrotreater, coker) are defined in text files that the user can create and/or modify.  For crude oils, the assay data is input in tables provided by PetroPlan.  The crude unit yields then will be calculated from the user entered cut point temperatures in the input for the crude unit block. The blocks are solved in the order indicated by the user.  It is up to the user to decide this sequence so that each block’s feeds are calculated by preceding blocks.  When the product of a block is the feed to an upstream block, that stream is a recycle stream.

When a problem is solved, PetroPlan reports all output in a text file and updates the rates displayed in the BFD.  The BFD can be printed (File|Print) and saved to disk (File| Save or Save As).  The input BFD, process submodels, crude assay and output files always have file name extensions .ppg, .mod, .crd and .out respectively.  The submodel and crude files can be edited with the built in text editor. The new user is encouraged to explore various menu items.

When the problem definition is complete, the menu item Solve is clicked.  The output  is displayed when the solution is ready otherwise an error message is displayed.  Use the menu items BFD and Output to switch between screens.

Developing a simulation consists of performing steps listed below in any order.

Add Import Streams
Enter Stream Data for import feedstocks
Add Blocks
Enter Block Data
Build Flowsheet by connecting streams and blocks
Enter General Data such as Title, units of measure etc.
Enter Prices
Solve