SciLab script

The calculations performed by the unit operations are defined by SciLab script. You can enter the script by editing the unit operation, and select Script on the SciLab tab.

The SciLab script is run in a fresh SciLab environment, in which useful global variables and functions are predefined. The script should:

obtain feed data using getFeedProp
obtain the values of input parameters - if any - using getParameter
calculate the unit operation's result by user calculations that can use the available functions
set the properties of each product using setProduct
set the values of output parameters - if any - using setParameter
set the content of user define reports - if any - using setReport

Catching errors

The SciLab script will be run, such that SciLab exits when an error is encountered. The error will be reflected in the calculation results of the unit operation. If you need to catch errors inside SciLab script without exiting, please use try, catch (mind that a problem with SciLab is that it may get stuck when a syntax error is present inside a try, catch block).

If the simulation appears to be stuck, it is possible that SciLab is not responding or waiting for user input. If this is the case, use the Windows Task Manager to end the SciLex.exe process.

DOs and DON'Ts

do set all outlet ports using setProduct
do load modules that you need (SciLex is run with the -nouserstartup command line option for performance)

Don't

don't use errcatch (use try, catch, end instead, see above)
don't write to files named "ID", "calc", "run", "out", "report.txt" or "unit.xml"
don't redefine functions or global variables
don't change the working directory in the user script
don't use abort; use error instead
don't use pause or halt or any other function that forces keyboard interaction

Testing

To test your SciLab input, make sure the ports are connected. Then, while writing the script, click the Test button for feedback.

Editing

You can edit the input in the text field inside the window, or click the Edit button to open an editor. The default editor is notepad.exe, but you can select a different editor by holding down the Ctrl button when clicking Edit.

The SciLab Unit Operation dialog will block until you close the editor.

Help

Clicking Help will open the online help for the latest SciLab. Alternatively, you can start SciLab from the Start Menu, and click Help in the Help menu.

Example

Example script for a simple adiabatic mixer with two feeds and one product:

f1=getFeedProp(1,"flow")
f2=getFeedProp(2,"flow")
h1=getFeedProp(1,"enthalpy")
h2=getFeedProp(2,"enthalpy")
p1=getFeedProp(1,"pressure")
p2=getFeedProp(2,"pressure")
p=min(p1,p2)
f=f1+f2
h=(h1*f1+h2*f2)/f
totF=sum(f)
setProduct(1,totF,f/totF,"pressure",p,"enthalpy",h)

(This particular script does not take into account that the total flow may be zero; it will fail in this case).