How to simulate methanol synthesis reactor duty (python script mode, lhhw kinetics)
A CO/H₂ syngas feed enters a custom block written in real, sandboxed Python (flowsim/sandbox/) rather than the AST-restricted equation grammar — the case equation mode structurally can't express: a Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson rate law (a forward kinetic term over a competitive-adsorption denominator, each term Arrhenius/ van't-Hoff temperature-dependent) evaluated inside a real Python loop over the adsorbing species, driving the exothermic reactor's temperature rise. Partial pressures are computed from the real inlet pressure (pinned via `inputs`) and representative mole fractions (`script_params` — composition itself can't be pinned into a script, only flow/T/P, so the fractions are illustrative constants, not read from the flowsheet's actual feed). The kinetic/adsorption/heat-of-reaction constants are likewise illustrative (chosen for a physically plausible rate and duty, not fit to a specific published dataset) — the point is the execution model, not a validated methanol-synthesis kinetic scheme.
- 1Open the ready-made model
Open the "Methanol synthesis reactor duty (Python Script Mode, LHHW kinetics)" model in the MaximaLabs workspace — no install, no license. It loads live on the canvas, ready to edit and run.
- 2Confirm the thermodynamics
This process is modeled with the PENG-ROBINSON property package over carbon_monoxide, h2 — already selected, so the phase equilibrium and enthalpy are physically consistent from the first run.
- 3Review the flowsheet
The flowsheet chains RX. Every block is a real, solvable unit op you can reconfigure on the canvas.
- 4Run the simulation
Click Run. The deterministic solver converges the material and energy balances (recycles included) and fills the live stream table — the AI never invents a number.
- 5Read the results and iterate
Inspect the converged streams, tweak a spec, and re-run — or ask the AI copilot to explain a result or diagnose a failed solve in plain English.
- Thermodynamics
- PENG-ROBINSON
- Components
- carbon_monoxide, h2
- Unit operations
- RX
Opens live on the canvas — free, no install.
Explore the model & flowsheetFrequently asked questions
- What does the Methanol synthesis reactor duty (Python Script Mode, LHHW kinetics) model simulate?
- A CO/H₂ syngas feed enters a custom block written in real, sandboxed Python (flowsim/sandbox/) rather than the AST-restricted equation grammar — the case equation mode structurally can't express: a Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson rate law (a forward kinetic term over a competitive-adsorption denominator, each term Arrhenius/ van't-Hoff temperature-dependent) evaluated inside a real Python loop over the adsorbing species, driving the exothermic reactor's temperature rise. Partial pressures are computed from the real inlet pressure (pinned via `inputs`) and representative mole fractions (`script_params` — composition itself can't be pinned into a script, only flow/T/P, so the fractions are illustrative constants, not read from the flowsheet's actual feed). The kinetic/adsorption/heat-of-reaction constants are likewise illustrative (chosen for a physically plausible rate and duty, not fit to a specific published dataset) — the point is the execution model, not a validated methanol-synthesis kinetic scheme.
- Which thermodynamic method does it use?
- The PENG-ROBINSON property package, over carbon_monoxide, h2 — already selected. You can switch the method on the canvas before running.
- Which unit operations are in the flowsheet?
- It chains RX. Every block is a real, solvable unit operation you can reconfigure, add to, or remove.
- Do I need to install software or buy a license?
- No. Methanol synthesis reactor duty (Python Script Mode, LHHW kinetics) runs entirely in your browser on MaximaLabs — free, no install, no license. Open the model to load it live and run the deterministic solver.
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