Real-Time Simulation
A physics engine updates every second — all instruments respond dynamically to valve changes, just like a physical laboratory.
Real-Time Packed Absorption Column Simulator
Explore gas–liquid absorption dynamics in real time. PiAbsorb models a bench-scale packed CO₂ absorption column — ideal for chemical engineering education, process training, and research.
PiAbsorb is an advanced, interactive chemical-engineering simulator that models a packed gas-absorption column in real time. It replicates a bench-scale column in which carbon dioxide (CO₂) is absorbed from an air/CO₂ mixture into a counter-current water stream — a fundamental unit operation in chemical and environmental engineering.
Users manipulate three independent feed streams — water, air, and CO₂ — via hand-control valves and observe the immediate effects on column flooding, outlet pH, and absorption efficiency. All process variables update continuously, giving the feel of operating a real instrument panel rather than running a static textbook calculation.
Developed by PiControl Solutions LLC, PiAbsorb supports university courses in mass transfer, separation processes, unit operations, and process control, and runs equally well as a standalone desktop application or as part of a virtual laboratory.
A physics engine updates every second — all instruments respond dynamically to valve changes, just like a physical laboratory.
Separate control valves for water (HV-01), air (HV-02) and CO₂ (HV-03) set liquid and gas compositions and flow rates independently.
FI-01/02/03 flows, FL-01 flooding %, and pH-01 outlet pH update continuously on the main process diagram.
An empirical correlation computes column loading (%). A colour-coded readout warns as the column approaches flood.
Scrolling chart panels plot flow-rate and outlet-pH histories, with zoom for detailed analysis.
Collect a sample and run a simulated NaOH acid–base titration to determine dissolved CO₂ — a complete wet-chemistry procedure.
Every process variable is logged at each step and exports to CSV for post-processing in Excel or Python.
Time constants, max flows, flooding coefficients, Henry’s-Law and NTU constants live in a plain-text INI instructors can edit without recompiling.
Installs and runs entirely on a Windows PC — no licence server, no cloud, and no student data ever leaves the machine.
The main window shows the P&ID below. Each instrument tag corresponds to a continuously-updated measurement; valve positions are set with on-screen sliders.
| Tag | Description | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| HV-01 | Water feed control valve | % | 0 – 100 |
| HV-02 | Air feed control valve | % | 0 – 100 |
| HV-03 | CO₂ feed control valve | % | 0 – 100 |
| FI-01 | Water volumetric flow rate | L/min | 0 – 0.95 |
| FI-02 | Air volumetric flow rate | L/min | 0 – 141.6 |
| FI-03 | CO₂ volumetric flow rate | L/min | 0 – 14.0 |
| FL-01 | Column flooding percentage | % | 0 – 100+ |
| pH-01 | Outlet liquid pH | — | 4.5 – 7.0 (typical) |
At any point during the simulation, collect a liquid sample and perform a simulated acid–base titration to determine dissolved CO₂ concentration:
Replicates a real wet-chemistry procedure without any consumables, waste, or hazard — bridging digital simulation and hands-on analytical chemistry.
PiAbsorb continuously logs and plots key process variables on scrolling, zoomable trend charts:
Export every variable to CSV at any time. The file carries a timestamped header and one column per instrument tag — ready for Excel, MATLAB, or Python.
Visualise and experiment with the mass-transfer theory from unit-operations and separation-processes courses — no physical equipment required.
Troubleshoot industrial absorption and scrubbing systems, or explore operating-parameter changes before implementing them on a real plant.
Design structured experiments, set target conditions, and demonstrate flooding, L/G-ratio effects, and pH response live in front of a class.
Validate mass-transfer correlations, explore model parameters, and generate synthetic datasets for comparison with experimental data.
CO₂ absorption experiments involve pressurised gas cylinders and chemical waste. PiAbsorb removes the risk while preserving the learning value.
No equipment, consumables, or maintenance. A single software licence supports an entire class of students at once.
Reset the simulator instantly and repeat experiments as often as needed — impossible with a physical column on a shared lab schedule.
Runs on any Windows PC. Students continue at home, in the library, or remotely — ideal for hybrid and online delivery.
The plain-text INI file lets instructors adjust physical parameters to create different column scenarios without touching source code.
Simulates an operator-station experience, preparing students for the digital process environments of modern plants and refineries.
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 or Windows 11 (64-bit recommended) |
| Processor | 1 GHz or faster (Intel / AMD) |
| Memory | 512 MB RAM minimum; 2 GB recommended |
| Display | 1280 × 720 or higher resolution |
| Storage | 50 MB free disk space |
| Additional Software | Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable (included in installer) |
| Internet Connection | Not required for normal operation |
Step-by-step guide to every feature: startup, instrument overview, running experiments, data export, and configuration.
Four guided lab tasks — flooding, L/G ratio, absorption efficiency, and dynamic response — with pre-lab questions, data tables, and post-lab analysis.
Every parameter in PiAbsorbConfig.INI documented with units, default values, and guidance for customisation.
Request a demo, ask about pricing, or schedule an online walkthrough with a PiControl engineer.