Using Spreadsheets in Chemical Engineering Problems

Abstract

The row and column format of spreadsheets fits beautifully into the type of calculations which Chemical Engineers often make. In this chapter we will show that many spreadsheet functions can be used in Chemical Engineering. As a vehicle for this demonstration we will use the simple process flow diagram shown in Fig. 1, but the techniques used in this example have much wider applicability than just flowsheeting. In addition to simply drawing and converging the flowsheet, we will consider:

• Two methods of equation solving

• Table lookup procedures

• Linear and logarithmic interpolation

• Linear regression of data

• Flash calculations

• Damage Control

• Graphing

• Spreadsheet documentation