GITNUXSOFTWARE ADVICE
Business FinanceTop 9 Best Refining Software of 2026
Compare refining software options and use cases for process modeling and simulation, with tradeoffs to help teams shortlist tools like ProSimPlus.
How we ranked these tools
An editor sets the topic, the inclusion criteria, and the evaluation framework before research starts.
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Framework: Features 40% · Ease 30% · Value 30%
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DWSIM is the best choice for engineers doing interactive steady-state refinery modeling because its unit-operation flowsheeting pairs with integrated thermodynamics and solver convergence controls for fast, repeatable case iteration, while KBC Petro-SIM fits planning-focused refinery teams since its refinery-oriented workflow keeps unit constraints and operating scenarios tightly coupled during what-if runs.
Editor’s top 3 picks
Three quick recommendations before you dive into the full comparison below — each one leads on a different dimension.
DWSIM
Unit-operation flowsheeting with integrated thermodynamics and solver convergence controls, enabling rapid steady-state refinery case iteration.
Best for: Fits when engineers need interactive steady-state refinery process modeling with extensibility for repeatable study runs.
KBC Petro-SIM
Editor pickRefinery-oriented study workflow that keeps unit constraints and operating scenarios tightly coupled during iteration.
Best for: Fits when refinery teams need steady-state process modeling for planning studies and iterative what-if scenarios.
ProSimPlus
Editor pickRefinery-oriented study automation that coordinates plantwide case runs using configurable simulation workflows.
Best for: Fits when refinery engineering teams need plantwide simulation studies with repeatable scenario automation.
Comparison Table
DWSIM
SMBOpen-source process simulator for material balances, thermodynamics, and process flowsheets.
Unit-operation flowsheeting with integrated thermodynamics and solver convergence controls, enabling rapid steady-state refinery case iteration.
DWSIM is a refining process simulation tool used to model chemical process units and compute steady-state mass and energy balances. It is distinct for its built-in flowsheeting workflow that connects unit operations, thermodynamic property calculations, and convergence controls in one environment.
DWSIM supports equation-of-state and activity-based thermodynamic models, which enables equation-based property predictions for refinery-relevant mixtures. It also supports automation through extensibility points and scripted workflows that can reuse simulation setups across cases.
- +Flowsheet editor links unit operations, streams, and thermodynamics in one workflow
- +Wide thermodynamic model coverage supports equation-based property methods
- +Extensibility enables custom unit operations and automation of repetitive studies
- +Simulation convergence controls help stabilize steady-state solves
- –Refinery-wide optimization workflows require additional tooling beyond the core simulator
- –Automation depends on available extension points for each workflow type
- –Dynamic modeling capabilities are limited compared with dedicated dynamic simulators
- –Large refinery cases can stress solver stability and compute throughput
Best for: Fits when engineers need interactive steady-state refinery process modeling with extensibility for repeatable study runs.
KBC Petro-SIM
enterpriseSteady-state process simulation software for petroleum refining with rigorous reactor models and digital twin capabilities.
Refinery-oriented study workflow that keeps unit constraints and operating scenarios tightly coupled during iteration.
KBC Petro-SIM focuses on refinery process modeling with a workflow designed around refinery operations and planning studies. It supports mass and energy based calculations for steady-state simulation use cases where throughput, unit constraints, and blend inputs must be reconciled.
The tool is built for scenario iteration across operating conditions to support planning cycles rather than one-off calculations. Integration depth matters most in projects that need data exchange with refinery planning and operational data flows.
- +Refinery-oriented workflow for scenario iteration across operating and feed conditions
- +Strong mass and energy calculation focus for steady-state planning studies
- +Unit constraint handling supports practical refinery throughput studies
- +Model setup supports repeatable studies for planning cycles
- –Less direct coverage for real-time optimization workflows than simulation-first tools
- –Requires careful configuration of component property assumptions for consistent results
- –API and automation surface is not marketed as a primary integration pathway
- –Model maintenance can become labor-intensive for large refinery flowsheets
Best for: Fits when refinery teams need steady-state process modeling for planning studies and iterative what-if scenarios.
ProSimPlus
SMBSteady-state process simulator for hydrocarbons, chemicals, energy, and industrial process design.
Refinery-oriented study automation that coordinates plantwide case runs using configurable simulation workflows.
ProSimPlus is used for refinery process simulation, combining steady-state and dynamic calculation workflows with refinery-specific modeling needs. The tool supports process modeling around mass and energy balance and integrates thermodynamic property package selection for consistent property calculations.
ProSimPlus also supports refinery planning tasks by connecting unit operation models into plantwide scenarios and transfering computed results to operational contexts. Automation features focus on repeatable studies, scenario runs, and scriptable configuration of simulation cases.
- +Refinery-focused flowsheet modeling with strong steady-state and dynamic workflows
- +Consistent thermodynamic property package handling across unit operations
- +Repeatable scenario execution supports structured refinery planning studies
- +Integration paths for exchanging simulation results into operations and engineering toolchains
- –Complex model builds require more upfront configuration than generic simulators
- –Automation depth can depend on scripting discipline and reusable study templates
- –Dynamic fidelity tuning can increase iteration cycles during model stabilization
- –Governance controls for multi-user model development can require process-level enforcement
Best for: Fits when refinery engineering teams need plantwide simulation studies with repeatable scenario automation.
Aspen HYSYS
enterpriseProcess simulation software for hydrocarbon processing, refining, and energy operations.
Built-in refinery-style crude and blend handling driven by assay and mixture constraints for repeatable studies.
Aspen HYSYS provides equation-based process modeling that keeps mass and energy balances consistent across flowsheets, which is critical when evaluating refinery unit configurations. It includes thermodynamic property package selection and management, plus modeling constructs for common refinery equipment blocks. Study repeatability comes from configuration-driven workflows that can be rerun across operating cases without rebuilding the flowsheet each time.
- +Equation-based refinery unit models maintain tight mass and energy balance consistency.
- +Thermodynamic property package management reduces rework across simulation cases.
- +Assay-driven crude and blend modeling supports refinery input variability studies.
- +Reusable flowsheet components speed up scenario reruns.
- –High-fidelity runs require careful initialization and specification discipline.
- –Dynamic simulation depth is not the primary focus versus dedicated dynamic packages.
- –Large refinery models can become slow during heavy optimization loops.
- –Third-party integration often needs custom mapping of data structures.
Best for: Fits when refinery engineering teams run many steady-state scenarios with controlled crude and unit constraints.
Honeywell UniSim Design
enterpriseSteady-state and dynamic process simulation software for refining and chemical processing.
Flowsheet workflows that tightly couple thermodynamics, unit specs, and equation solving for detailed refinery separation trains.
Unisim Design supports refinery process modeling through equation-based unit operation blocks and a flowsheet canvas that ties streams, specifications, and property methods into one calculation run. Thermodynamic property packages are central to the workflow, because they govern phase behavior and heat duties inside distillation and separation trains. The environment supports parametric study workflows for steady-state scenarios, which helps engineering teams run repeatable what-if iterations on compositions, feed conditions, and operating targets.
- +Strong equation-based unit operation modeling for refinery flowsheets
- +Thermodynamic property package control for separation and utility calculations
- +Repeatable steady-state studies through scenario and parameter variation
- +Equipment-level specs support detailed heat and pressure performance tuning
- –Higher-fidelity models need more upfront model specification discipline
- –Automation depends on external scripting and integrations for large workflows
- –Complex cases can require expert tuning of convergence settings
- –Dynamic simulation workflows are limited compared with dedicated training or control tools
Best for: Fits when refinery engineering teams need equation-based steady-state modeling with controlled property methods across plant areas.
Simraf
vertical specialistTechnical-economic LP simulator and optimizer for refinery planning, scheduling, and crude ranking.
Scenario study automation that keeps model inputs and outputs aligned for refinery planning iterations.
Simraf by Prometheus Systems emphasizes refining process modeling workflows that map simulation outputs to planning-oriented deliverables.
- +Workflow-driven simulation studies reduce manual rework across scenarios.
- +Mass and energy balancing supports consistent engineering handoffs.
- +Configurable study runs support repeatability for planning iterations.
- +Export-oriented outputs fit engineering pipelines and downstream tooling.
- –Limited emphasis on dynamic modeling workflows compared with simulation-first vendors.
- –Integration coverage can depend on matching data formats to existing toolchains.
- –Advanced optimization tooling feels secondary to modeling and study execution.
- –Governance for multi-user scenario ownership is not clearly differentiated.
Best for: Fits when engineering teams need repeatable steady-state study execution feeding refinery planning decisions.
Yokogawa Exaquantum
enterprisePlant information management system for process refining and batch operations data acquisition.
Refinery flowsheet modeling with tightly managed thermodynamic property behavior across iterative optimization runs.
Yokogawa Exaquantum organizes refinery process modeling into reusable build components so engineers can repeat workflows across units and cases without re-creating each model by hand. Thermodynamic property configuration supports consistent mass and energy basis selection across steady-state simulation runs, which reduces reconciliation drift when assumptions change between studies. The workflow also supports iterative optimization loops used in production planning and constraint handling, which helps teams converge on feasible operating targets.
- +Consistent thermodynamic property package configuration for study-to-decision workflows
- +Reusable modeling components reduce manual rework across steady-state cases
- +Optimization workflows support constraint-driven planning iterations
- +Integration hooks support data exchange between engineering and operations tools
- –Model versioning and parameter control require active governance discipline
- –Advanced optimization workflows require engineering time to tune assumptions
- –Template-based setup can feel slow for one-off exploratory calculations
- –Some workflows depend on external system connectivity being already established
Best for: Fits when refinery engineering teams need repeatable process modeling plus constraint-aware planning transfer to operations.
AVEVA PRO/II Simulation
enterpriseSteady-state process simulation software for oil refining and chemical production.
PRO/II Simulation’s engineering-centric thermodynamic modeling and refinery flowsheet convergence tooling for detailed unit-by-unit balances.
AVEVA PRO/II Simulation is a refining process simulation tool used for steady-state mass and energy balances across unit operations and refinery flowsheets. Its core modeling workflow centers on rigorous thermodynamic property handling, stream composition tracking, and convergence on mass balance closure.
- +Strong steady-state flowsheet simulation for refining unit operations
- +Broad thermodynamic package choices for refinery-relevant property predictions
- +Exchange-friendly result outputs for downstream planning and analysis workflows
- +Widely used workflows for troubleshooting convergences in complex refinery models
- –Dynamic and operator-training simulator workflows are not the main focus
- –Large refinery models demand disciplined setup of feeds and constraint logic
- –Automation relies on integration design and model export mapping work
- –Extensibility is less direct than tools built around modern plug-in scripting
Best for: Fits when refinery engineering teams need steady-state flowsheet simulation with disciplined thermodynamics and integration to planning workflows.
Haverly H/Sched
vertical specialistInteractive scheduling tool for refinery, crude oil, and product blend operations with Gantt chart visualization.
Constraint-aware schedule generation that outputs time-ordered production activities for execution handoff.
Haverly H/Sched generates production scheduling outputs for refining operations by turning refinery planning inputs into executable schedules for downstream execution workflows. The differentiator is its scheduling-oriented workflow focus, which connects planned operating intent to time-ordered production activities.
- +Scheduling-first workflow ties production intent to time-ordered activities
- +Constraint-aware sequencing supports practical refinery operating limits
- +Schedule outputs are designed for handoff into operational execution
- +Works well for planning cycles that need repeatable schedule generation
- –Limited visibility into detailed process simulation behavior versus dedicated simulators
- –Configuration depth can require careful governance of input assumptions
- –Automation surface is narrower than broad enterprise integration suites
- –Less suited to real-time optimization loops that need fast iterative solving
Best for: Fits when refinery teams need constraint-aware production scheduling artifacts for recurring planning cycles.
Conclusion
After evaluating 9 refining software, DWSIM stands out as our overall top pick — it scored highest across our combined criteria of features, ease of use, and value, which is why it sits at #1 in the rankings above.
Use the comparison table and detailed reviews above to validate the fit against your own requirements before committing to a tool.
How to Choose the Right Refining Software
Refining software used in process modeling and planning spans flowsheet simulation, refinery-wide scenario automation, and scheduling artifacts for execution handoff. This guide covers Yokogawa Exaquantum, Honeywell UniSim Design, Aspen HYSYS, AVEVA PRO/II Simulation, ProSimPlus, DWSIM, KBC Petro-SIM, Simraf, and Haverly H/Sched.
Each tool review in this buyer’s guide focuses on how it handles refinery-style mass and energy balance, thermodynamic property behavior across iterative cases, and the workflows that connect engineering studies to operational decisions. Differences appear in the convergence and constraint tooling for steady-state studies, in the breadth of refinery-specific crude and blend workflows, and in how scheduling output fits alongside simulation-first workflows.
Refinery process simulation and planning software for flowsheets, blends, and constraint-aware scheduling
Refining software supports refinery process simulation through equation-based unit operation models, then carries those results into planning studies that enforce constraints on feeds, operating limits, and energy and utilities behavior. Tools like Honeywell UniSim Design and Aspen HYSYS center flowsheet workflows that tightly couple thermodynamics with unit specs to produce repeatable steady-state cases.
Some products also prioritize refinery engineering iteration patterns and property behavior control across optimization runs. Yokogawa Exaquantum is positioned around refining flowsheet modeling with tightly managed thermodynamic property behavior across iterative optimization runs, while ProSimPlus adds refinery-oriented study automation that coordinates plantwide case runs using configurable simulation workflows.
Refining Software feature checklist for flowsheets, property control, and planning handoff
Refining teams typically judge simulation tools by how consistently they maintain mass and energy balance across steady-state cases. That consistency hinges on thermodynamic property package configuration and solver convergence behavior during iterative study runs.
Planning and scheduling outputs add another layer of evaluation. The practical question is whether the simulation environment can keep refinery constraints and scenario inputs tied to the outputs that operations and planning teams use.
Refinery-style flowsheet modeling with controlled thermodynamics
Honeywell UniSim Design couples thermodynamics, unit specs, and equation solving for detailed refinery separation train modeling. Yokogawa Exaquantum focuses on refining flowsheet modeling with tightly managed thermodynamic property behavior across iterative optimization runs.
Property package management for repeatable steady-state cases
Aspen HYSYS maintains equation-based refinery unit models with mass and energy balance consistency while managing thermodynamic property packages to reduce rework across simulation cases. AVEVA PRO/II Simulation offers broad thermodynamic package choices intended for disciplined steady-state flowsheet convergence.
Crude assay and blend constraint handling for scenario repeatability
Aspen HYSYS includes built-in refinery-style crude and blend handling driven by assay and mixture constraints for repeatable studies. HYSYS also supports constraint-aware scenario work that pairs well with iterative planning where blend constraints must stay consistent across runs.
Refinery-oriented study automation for plantwide scenario batches
ProSimPlus coordinates plantwide case runs using configurable simulation workflows and consistent thermodynamic property package handling across unit operations. ProSimPlus supports repeatable scenario automation that reduces manual rework when many steady-state cases must be executed in sequence.
Solver convergence tooling for interactive steady-state iteration
DWSIM provides an interactive flowsheet editor that links unit operations, streams, and thermodynamics in one workflow. DWSIM includes solver convergence controls intended to speed up steady-state refinery case iteration.
Constraint-aware scheduling artifacts for execution handoff
Haverly H/Sched generates time-ordered production activities tied to sequencing constraints for execution handoff. KBC Petro-SIM focuses on refinery-oriented study workflows that keep unit constraints and operating scenarios tightly coupled during iteration for planning studies.
Choosing Refining Software by workflow fit, property governance, and integration surface
Selection depends on the workflow philosophy used to drive cases from engineering to planning. Tools like Yokogawa Exaquantum and Aspen HYSYS prioritize refinery-style thermodynamic consistency for many iterative scenarios, while ProSimPlus and KBC Petro-SIM emphasize study workflow structure for scenario iteration.
The next filter is how constraints and scheduling outputs are produced for downstream use. Haverly H/Sched is built around time-ordered production activities, while most flowsheet-first tools require a bridging workflow to turn modeled constraints into executable schedules.
Pick a flowsheet-first tool when steady-state case throughput depends on thermodynamic stability
Choose Honeywell UniSim Design when detailed refinery separation trains need equation-based steady-state modeling with controlled property methods across plant areas. Choose Aspen HYSYS when many steady-state scenarios require built-in crude and blend handling driven by assay and mixture constraints.
Pick an optimization-iteration focus when repeated runs depend on property behavior control
Choose Yokogawa Exaquantum when optimization-oriented refinery flowsheet modeling must keep thermodynamic property behavior tightly managed across iterative optimization runs. Choose AVEVA PRO/II Simulation when steady-state convergence tooling and engineering-centric thermodynamic modeling drive unit-by-unit refinery balances.
Pick a workflow automation focus when case execution needs repeatable study templates
Choose ProSimPlus when plantwide scenario batches must run through configurable simulation workflows with consistent thermodynamic property package handling. Choose KBC Petro-SIM when steady-state planning studies require refinery-oriented scenario iteration that tightly couples unit constraints with operating scenarios.
Pick an interactive, extensible steady-state editor when teams iterate by building and refining unit models
Choose DWSIM when interactive steady-state refinery modeling depends on a single flowsheet workflow that links streams, unit operations, and thermodynamics. Validate extension availability early when refinery-wide optimization or automation workflows are part of the expected deliverables.
Pick scheduling-first output when execution handoff is the dominant deliverable
Choose Haverly H/Sched when constraint-aware scheduling artifacts must produce time-ordered production activities for recurring planning cycles. Use a simulation-first tool alongside it when detailed process simulation behavior is required beyond what the scheduling engine exposes.
Validate governance and version control needs before committing to optimization-driven study patterns
Choose Yokogawa Exaquantum only when the organization can apply model versioning and parameter control governance discipline across optimization runs. Choose AVEVA PRO/II Simulation or Honeywell UniSim Design when upfront model specification discipline is acceptable for higher-fidelity cases and consistent property method control.
Who Refining Software serves best across engineering, planning, and scheduling roles
Refining software serves teams that must produce consistent steady-state refinery scenarios from refinery unit operations, thermodynamics, and constraint logic. The right tool choice depends on whether the primary pain is thermodynamic stability, repeated scenario execution, or constraint-aware scheduling outputs.
Different roles also consume different artifacts. Engineering teams focus on convergence and property package behavior, while planning and operations teams focus on time-ordered activities and constraint-respecting handoffs.
Refinery process engineering teams running many steady-state scenarios
Aspen HYSYS fits when crude and blend workflows driven by assay and mixture constraints must stay consistent across repeated cases. DWSIM supports interactive steady-state iteration when refining unit models must be built and refined through a linked flowsheet workflow.
Engineering teams performing optimization-oriented refinery studies
Yokogawa Exaquantum fits when optimization runs require tightly managed thermodynamic property behavior across iterative runs. AVEVA PRO/II Simulation fits when disciplined thermodynamic modeling and steady-state flowsheet convergence tooling drive unit-by-unit balances for planning transfers.
Planning and technical services teams coordinating plantwide scenario batches
ProSimPlus fits when plantwide case execution needs refinery-oriented study automation with configurable simulation workflows. KBC Petro-SIM fits when steady-state planning studies require refinery-oriented workflow iteration that keeps unit constraints tightly coupled to operating scenarios.
Operations planning groups that need time-ordered scheduling artifacts
Haverly H/Sched fits when recurring planning cycles require constraint-aware production sequencing outputs in time-ordered form. Many flowsheet-first tools provide modeling outputs but not the scheduling-first artifacts that operations teams use directly.
Common Refining Software buying mistakes that break steady-state studies or handoffs
Refining software projects fail when governance expectations do not match the tool’s modeling and automation behavior. Failures show up as inconsistent results across runs, brittle scenario automation, or missing scheduling artifacts for execution handoff.
The most costly mistakes come from assuming every tool supports the same depth of dynamic or optimization workflows. Several tools focus on steady-state refinery modeling and constrain automation to what their study workflow design can execute reliably.
Selecting a tool based on steady-state modeling coverage while ignoring how iterative optimization runs require parameter control
Yokogawa Exaquantum can deliver tightly managed thermodynamic property behavior across iterative optimization runs, but model versioning and parameter control require active governance discipline.
Assuming automation depth is equivalent across refinery study runners without checking where scripting and templates are required
ProSimPlus supports refinery-oriented study automation through configurable simulation workflows, but complex model builds and template reuse can require more upfront configuration than generic simulators.
Buying a unit-operation simulator and expecting refinery-wide optimization workflows without additional tooling
DWSIM is oriented toward unit-operation flowsheeting with solver convergence controls, but refinery-wide optimization workflows require additional tooling beyond the core simulator.
Expecting detailed process simulation visibility from scheduling-first tools
Haverly H/Sched generates constraint-aware scheduling artifacts for time-ordered activities, but it provides limited visibility into detailed process simulation behavior versus dedicated simulators.
Underestimating dynamic or operator-training workflow coverage when those deliverables drive requirements
AVEVA PRO/II Simulation centers on steady-state flowsheet simulation and does not position dynamic and operator-training simulator workflows as its main strength.
How We Selected and Ranked These Tools
We evaluated Yokogawa Exaquantum, Honeywell UniSim Design, Aspen HYSYS, AVEVA PRO/II Simulation, ProSimPlus, DWSIM, KBC Petro-SIM, Simraf, and Haverly H/Sched by separating refinement workflows into steady-state modeling consistency, planning-oriented constraint handling, and automation and execution handoff behavior. Features accounted for 40% of the score and were weighted toward refinery flowsheet capability and thermodynamic property package behavior that stays consistent across iterative runs.
Ease/value accounted for 30% of the score and emphasized how much upfront model specification and workflow configuration the typical refining team must provide to reach reliable convergence. Yokogawa Exaquantum separated itself with refining flowsheet modeling that tightly manages thermodynamic property behavior across iterative optimization runs, which made it the strongest match for engineering-to-planning patterns that repeat constraints and assumptions across many cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Refining Software
Which tools handle thermodynamic property package behavior more tightly during iterative refinery optimization runs?
How do refinery process simulation tools translate steady-state model results into planning decisions?
When a project needs refinery scheduling artifacts instead of flowsheet simulation outputs, which software fits?
Which platforms support scriptable or extensibility-driven automation for repeatable scenario runs?
How does assay-driven crude blend handling appear in mainstream refining simulation workflows?
What breaks if a team needs dynamic simulation in addition to steady-state modeling?
Where does equation-based unit operation modeling fall short for heat integration studies that require equipment-level throughput decisions?
How do integration approaches differ when exchanging model results with historian and operations systems?
Which tool best fits teams that prioritize flowsheet convergence controls inside the modeling environment?
Tools reviewed
Primary sources checked during evaluation.
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
Funding and competing interests
This study was co-funded by several of the vendors assessed in it. No single vendor funded it. Funders could propose the market studied.
They had no role in selecting vendors, setting or weighting criteria, analysing data or drawing conclusions, and they received the same factual-accuracy check as every other vendor assessed.
Market definition, inclusion rules and criteria weights were fixed by an editor before research began and did not change afterwards. Editorial process →
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