Computation and modeling

The development of computational techniques for use in the design process flowsheets is described. Although most of the published modeling procedures are contactor-specific, the VISCO code can be adapted to examine three different contactor types. Procedures are also available for the computer-aided computation of total PUREX process flowsheets, which saves much design time and drafting effort. Libraries of distribution data for the PUREX process system are also available including a computerized data base system. In the future, the development of Expert Systems as an aid to total process design and plant control is seen as a likely next major step in the relationship between the PUREX process and the computer. A major area of work still exists in the development of fundamental methods for the prediction of fission product decontamination factors. When this is possible and done, application of the computer to modeling the PUREX process will be complete. Finally, although this chapter has been concerned mainly with the PUREX process, all liquid-liquid extraction procedures are similar, and application of PUREX process computational techniques to other liquid-liquid extraction procedures is not a difficult task