Enabling the integrated use of simulation within the life cycle of a process plant: An initial roadmap: Results of an in-depth online study

Modern process plants are becoming more and more complex with high demands placed on design, engineering and operation. Throughout the life cycle of process plants, there is always the typical conflict involving costs, time and quality. One way of resolving this conflict is to employ simulation technology as it can be used to answer questions relating to engineering and operation earlier and with lower risks. To investigate the current and future role of simulation over the life cycle of a process plant, the authors conducted a global survey from July to October 2014. More than 200 persons participated in the survey. The results of the survey are described in this paper, and an initial technological roadmap derived showing a possible course for the future and creating a basis for discussion. The roadmap in this paper is based on action fields that need to be developed to enable a concurrent use of simulation over the complete life cycle of a process plant.