Virtual process lab

In the last two decades, education systems through computing resources represented greater flexibility, accessibility and adaptability to conventional education systems. On the other hand, industry increased demands for quality, safety, environment and economic management of plants. In both situations studies on process control and complete plant simulation provided the solution for the industry and education needs. This paper presents the development of a virtual laboratory involving such disciplines. The process developed is known in academic circles as “Eastman Process”. The process, model, applications and a strategy for its control are described, operational modes and how to obtain them are also described. All these aspects are integrated into a useful GUI as a support tool in research and education in the area of automatic control and energy conversion.