Utilizing VBA in MS Excel for Simplified Solutions in Chemical Engineering: Single-Effect Evaporator Study

Abstract

An evaporator system's solutions involve solving equations that incorporate both mass and energy balances. The process of solving a single-effect evaporator is simpler compared to multi-effect evaporator systems. However, due to the extensive analysis of diverse data from various tables, many turn to simulation programs for convenience. These programs offer the advantage of conducting calculations by utilizing their own data libraries containing thermodynamic and LLE-VLE data. To emulate the functionality of expensive simulation programs, an alternative interface was designed using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) in MS Excel. In this particular study, a single-effect evaporator system, utilized for concentrating NaOH solution, was chosen and solved with a VBA-created program within MS Excel. Moreover, databases for saturated water and superheated steam data were developed within the MS Excel environment to facilitate the program. Ultimately, the program was employed to scrutinize the influence of selected parameters on other parameters, and the results were analyzed. This study serves as an illustration of how VBA in MS Excel can efficiently handle calculations pertaining to chemical engineering processes. By focusing on the single-effect evaporator, it showcases how VBA in Excel can simplify and comprehensively investigate such calculations in chemical engineering processes.