The new release includes a new reciprocating compressor model, new column pressure drop calculation models for various tray configurations, and a new case comparison utility that enables side-by-side comparisons in addition to enhanced overall performance.

"The ROMeo solution allows users to analyse their plant's behaviour and optimise performance based on a wide range of operational and economic conditions," said Alastair Fraser, vice president of the SimSci-Esscor unit.

"With the version 4.0 release, we can provide process plants with a powerful solution that is easy to maintain and provides a seamless transition from our offline to online modelling environments."

Version 4.0 has been integrated with SimSci-Esscor’s SIM4ME common modelling environment, providing a consistent user interface and back-end across SimSci-Esscor’s range of simulation and optimisation modules.

Users will be able to open a process model designed with Invensys’ PRO/II software from within the ROMeo application, allowing users to take existing offline models online for performance monitoring and optimisation while retaining equity in previously developed models.

“In addition to optimising their physical processes, companies also need to optimise their workflow and maximise their modelling efforts by reusing data to ensure decisions made during different lifecycle phases and with different modelling tools are based on a consistent representation of their plant," said Tom Fiske, a senior analyst with industrial consultancy firm ARC Advisory Group.