FlowExchange 2.0.2

The FlowExchange package is a powerful tool for exchanging material stream data between CAPE-OPEN compliant flowsheet environments. This software allows for the exchange of material stream data between flowsheet simulations of the same flowsheet simulator package, as well as the exchange of material stream data between flowsheet simulations of different flowsheet simulator packages. Additionally, the FlowExchange package allows for importing software-generated material stream data from non-flowsheet software applications via an XML format, and exporting flowsheet simulation generated material stream data via an XML format to non-flowsheet software applications.

One of the key features of the FlowExchange package is the ability to archive flowsheet simulation generated material stream data in XML format to a database. This allows users to store and retrieve their data in a structured, organized, and easily accessible way.

The FlowExchange package consists of two unit operations: the XFlowSaver Unit operation and the XFlowLoader Unit operation. The XFlowSaver Unit operation can be used in a product stream or intermediate stream in a flowsheet, and its main purpose is to save an XFlow file. The XFlowLoader Unit operation can be used to define a feed stream in a flowsheet, and its main purpose is to read an existing XFlow file and define the product stream.

The XFlow file format is an open, XML-based file format designed to exchange material stream data between flowsheet simulators. The XFlow files are written by the XFlowSaver unit operation and read by the XFlowLoader unit operation, but any 3rd party application can easily parse or write XFlow files. The level of detail that is saved in an XFlow file by the XFlowSaver is configurable, and the .XFlow file format specification is available for download, along with an example .XFlow file content.

The FlowExchange package also includes a stand-alone viewer and comparison tool for XFlow files. This allows users to easily view and compare their XFlow files, making it a great tool for analyzing and comparing different flowsheet simulations.

The FlowExchange package is written in Visual Studio 2017, using the .NET 4.6.2 platform, and the source code is available and included in the FlowExchange package installer. To compile the source code, the CO-LaN PIA must be installed. This allows users to customize and modify the package to suit their specific needs.

In summary, the FlowExchange package is a powerful and versatile tool for exchanging material stream data between CAPE-OPEN compliant flowsheet environments. It allows for the exchange of material stream data between flowsheet simulations of the same flowsheet simulator package, as well as the exchange of material stream data between flowsheet simulations of different flowsheet simulator packages. Additionally, it allows for importing software-generated material stream data from non-flowsheet software applications via an XML format, and exporting flowsheet simulation generated material stream data via an XML format to non-flowsheet software applications. The package also includes a stand-alone viewer and comparison tool for XFlow files and source code that is available and customizable.