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

Abstract

Solutions for an evaporator system involve equations that incorporate both mass and energy balances. Solving equations for a single-effect evaporator is simpler compared to those for multi-effect evaporator systems. However, due to the need for extensive analysis of diverse data from various sources, many prefer using simulation programs for convenience. These programs conduct calculations using their own data libraries, which contain 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 study, we chose a single-effect evaporator system used for concentrating NaOH solution and solved its equations using a program created in VBA 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, this study demonstrates how VBA in Excel can simplify and effectively conduct investigations into chemical engineering process calculations.