The objective of Visual MESA is to monitor, optimize, plan for, and audit a system's operation in order to reduce cost and increase efficiency while functioning within the system's constraints.

The Monitoring features in Visual MESA allow users to observe, track, and examine the system's operation. The images depicted in a Visual MESA model are replications of an actual system. The drawings are similar to Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs). Using these images, Visual MESA provides a graphical interface that enables users to view the real-time operation of the steam, boiler feed-water (BFW), and condensate systems. To help users monitor the real-time data in the system, Visual MESA can trend meter readings and identify meters that have had significant changes during a specified period of time. In addition to the information displayed on the screen, more detailed information about each stream and each piece of equipment is easily accessible.

In addition to being able to simulate a system's operation, Visual MESA is capable of optimizing the modeled system. Visual MESA uses built-in mathematical models and optimization routines to determine how to run steam and electrical systems at the least cost and still meet the required plant steam demands and other critical plant constraints. The optimization determines where to make incremental steam (in which boilers or steam generators) and which turbines or letdown valves will most efficiently let the steam down between pressure levels. Optimization views of the model and Excel reports are used to inform users of the recommended optimization changes and the effects of those changes on the system.

"What If?" Case Studies can be performed with Visual MESA to help plan or train for upcoming events. For example, shutting down or starting up a plant or a piece of equipment are common events studied using "What If?" Case Studies. By simulating what will happen as a result of the event, Visual MESA enables users to evaluate potential capital or operating changes to the plant. Using the Visual MESA model and reports, users can assess the economics and operability of the event. 

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