Abstract: A system simulates a process. Software instructions stored on a memory device and executable by a processor represent a process with a plurality of models, the plurality of models including equations that mathematically represent the functionality of the process. In addition, instructions group the equations into groups to optimize solving the equations, said grouping minimizing the equations that must be solved simultaneously.

Abstract: A system simulates a process entity. Software instructions stored on a memory device and executable by a processor creates an entity type object that generically represents a type of process entity. Instructions create a simulation representing a process and instantiate an entity type instance in the simulation based on the entity type object. The entity type instance represents a specific process entity in the process. Additionally, instructions simulate the functionality of the specific process entity by the entity type instance in the simulation.

Abstract: A system displays simulation data on a canvas. Software instructions stored on a memory device and executable by a processor display a first set of simulation data on a canvas, the first set of simulation data corresponding to a first zoom level of the canvas. Instructions adjust the canvas from the first zoom level to a second zoom level. Instructions display a second set of simulation data on the canvas, said displayed second set of simulation data corresponding to the second zoom level of the canvas.

Abstract: A system simulates a process entity. Software instructions stored on a memory device and executable by a processor create a plurality of entity type objects that generically represents a type of process entity. Instructions store the plurality of entity type objects in a shared repository. Additionally, instructions enable a plurality of users to access the plurality of entity type objects in the shared repository simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and system for process model translation is disclosed herein. The method includes generating a common process model based upon a first process model capable of being utilized by a first simulation program. A second process model is then generated based upon the common process model, the second process model being capable of being utilized by a second simulation program.

Abstract: A system and method of creating and using a graphical task scheduler. A Graphical User Interface (GUI) allows a user to graphically build a real time flow task scheduler by providing a “click & drag” functional palette which contains graphical flow chart elements. By creating this graphical flow chart, the user is able to associate a plant layout, or any subpart of the entire plant, to its associated mathematical model. With a graphical flow chart, the user can define one or more exit branches for each task. For tasks with more than one exit branch, the user can specify the conditions causing the sequence to use each branch. Once the flow chart is set up, it can be used as a sequence editor or scheduler. The sequence editor defines the sequence of tasks that will be performed by an on-line application, such as optimization, and also allows scheduling of the on-line application at specific times or periodic intervals. The scheduler controls the running of each sequence based on the scheduling information.

Abstract: A system and method of creating and using a graphical task scheduler. A Graphical User Interface (GUI) allows a user to graphically build a real time flow task scheduler by providing a “click & drag” functional palette which contains graphical flow chart elements. By creating this graphical flow chart, the user is able to associate a plant layout, or any subpart of the entire plant, to its associated mathematical model. With a graphical flow chart, the user can define one or more exit branches for each task. For tasks with more than one exit branch, the user can specify the conditions causing the sequence to use each branch. Once the flow chart is set up, it can be used as a sequence editor or scheduler. The sequence editor defines the sequence of tasks that will be performed by an on-line application, such as optimization, and also allows scheduling of the on-line application at specific times or periodic intervals.