ProTRAX

TRAX’s proprietary, state-of-the-art software, ProTRAX, is a modular, dynamic simulation system designed for use on standard computers. There are around 200 standard process modules in the ProTRAX library that have been tested in hundreds of training simulators and engineering-grade simulators.

Software Suite

ProTRAX Workbench

Our new Workbench user interface is an all-around update to the ProTRAX software, giving you a smarter, streamlined user interface designed to improve simulator usability. Designed for intuitive use, the interface puts an emphasis on making information accessible and easy to manipulate. Specially built with remote work in mind, the Workbench allows multi-user access to a simulator, granting access from the worksite and from as many remote sites as needed.

OPERATION


Each simulator is now delivered with a “Remote Manager” installed to enhance the training capabilities of the simulator.  The Remote Manager is designed to run on most simulator computers to give the trainee control of simulator operations without the need to login to the Instructor Station.

The Status Window is the primary interface for the simulator tools.  The Simulator Explorer bar, docked on the left of the window, allows you to easily select, load, and run your initial conditions, monitor simulation status, and access relevant schematics, tools, and data from one location.

MANAGEMENT WINDOW

The improved setup and execution windows for initial conditions, snapshots, and malfunctions simplify operation of the simulator functions.  

SCENARIOS

Instructors can execute repeatable training exercises for multiple students, while pre-configured exercises encourage an instructor to concentrate on training a student, not manipulating the software. ProTRAX automatically saves lesson results, creating a consistent evaluation platform for all students.

POINT BROWSER

The Point Browser offers a quick, easy way to find and edit variables in the system.  Users can skim variable names in all models, and can use fuzzy or wildcard searches.  Open and modify the points within the browser, and watch the changes happen in real-time.

MALFUNCTIONS

ProTRAX provides the ability to fail any piece of equipment — including pumps, fans, heat exchangers, valves, etc. — or control element.  Instructors can choose from standard failure modes for any component, or create an unlimited number of additional malfunctions.

PLOT AND TREND

Trend any variable in the system with simple drag-and-drop features.

The Remote Manager is one of the tools TRAX has developed to improve remote connectivity.  All the operational features described are available over the internet with multiple users connected simultaneously.
  • Multiple users can log on and self-serve simulator training content.
  • The Remote Manager grants a trainee access to simulator instructor actions without directly accessing the Instructor Station.
  • An unlimited number of Initial Conditions can be created to save and restore.
  • A component or flowstream can be selected to obtain information from a dynamic schematic. View or change parameters and create or invoke malfunctions for components.
  • The Status Window shows which trainees are accessing the simulator, along with relevant simulator operating information.
  • Parameters such as valve characteristics, physical dimensions, flow and heat transfer coefficients, and controller gains can be changed while a simulator is running or frozen.
  • Any variable in the system can be trended with simple drag-and-drop features.

GCPARM

GCPARM

Graphical Model Configuration and Parameterization (GCPARM) allows a user to quickly and easily build customized schematics by choosing drag-and-drop ProTRAX modules. Enter the specific data for each component (such as volumes, dimensions, geometric arrangements, or design performance curves), and GCPARM will generate process models directly from these schematics.

Modular Modeling
Three-Region Horizontal Feedwater Heater
  • ProTRAX is modular at the component level, allowing the user to interconnect modules representing pumps, valves, superheaters, turbine stages, etc., into any physically realistic configuration.
  • All module formulations are based on first principles conservation relations, the Second Law of Thermodynamics, and well-established constitutive relations for heat transfer and fluid mechanics.
Model Generation
  • Configuring the model includes choosing the appropriate ProTRAX modules, arranging them to best represent the process to be simulated, and connecting the modules with flowstreams.
  • Next, users enter component-specific physical data (such as volumes, dimensions, geometric arrangements, or design performance curves) and operating point data (such as pressures, flowrates, temperatures, and enthalpies).

Modules and available libraries

The ProTRAX system is divided into module libraries, designated by scope or application. All modules are fully developed and include complete documentation. The available functions are outlined below.

Carbon Capture modules contain all the complex chemical reactions involved in the multiple phases of the carbon capture and sequestration

  • CO2 and SO2 capture (absorber tower, stripper, reboiler)
  • CO2 and SO2 amines filtration and purification (amine stripper, heat exchangers)
  • CO2 compression and storage (dehydrator/dryer, compressors, intercooler, knockout drum)

Additional Environmental pollution control equipment captures other flowstream contaminants

  • Nitrogen oxides or NOx (selective catalytic reduction or SCR)
  • Sulfur oxides or SOx (flue gas desulfurization or FGD)
  • Particulate (baghouse, fabric filter, precipitator)

Renewable energy sources are also captured in the ProTRAX module library, including modules to represent

  • Solar fields (generator, grid)
  • Hydroelectric generation and chains (Kaplan turbine, Francis turbine, Pelton turbine, gates, pumps, weir)
  • Wind turbines (generator, grid)
  • Biomass (feeder, gate, silo)

The Electrical module set contains the means to model large or small-scale electrical systems

  • AC and DC components (circuit breaker, bus, inverter)
  • Generation sources and clients (generator, motor, load)
  • Necessary power distribution components (grid, transformer, impedance)

General Energy Industry modules are available to represent many generation configurations

  • Boilers [once-through, drum, twin furnace, circulating fluidized bed (CFB) etc.]
  • Turbines (steam)
  • Balance of Plant components (condensers, heat exchangers, deaerator, etc.)
  • Combined cycle (gas turbine, combustor, HRSG)

Other energy market Industries are also represented

  • Oil and gas (valve, tank, boiler, burner)
  • Desalination (distiller, heater, pump, tank, flow channel)
  • Water and wastewater (centrifuge, screen filter, clarifier, separator)

Contact TRAX for more detailed information about modules available in these libraries.

ProTRAX Features

The ProTRAX Simulation System is designed to allow engineers who are familiar with plant processes and equipment to develop high-quality, high-fidelity models with ease and efficiency.  Our supplementary tools and features surround the core software and aid in this development and use.

Translators/Emulators
We use translators and emulators to replicate a control system within the ProTRAX Simulation System. An emulator package is composed of four major components:
  • Control Logic Translator
  • Controller Emulation
  • HMI Emulation
  • Support Software
The translator extracts relevant information from the control system database and transcribes that information into a text form that can be used by the emulator.