Generic framework for simulating networks using rule-based queue and Resource-Task Network

A generic model is a model that is built for a class of system and can be implemented for a specific system through changes in input data alone, without any structural changes to the model. In this paper, we propose a framework for building such generic model for non-steady state process networks, which are characterized by flow of materials between interconnected nodes. The framework comprises two elements: (1) a generic representation of process network structure using a rule-based queue and (2) a generic representation of non-steady state operations of the network using recipe tables inspired by the Resource- Task Network representation. In this paper, we describe conceptually the data structure and simulation logic that can be used to implement this framework in any simulation software. Examples are provided in the context of batch plant operation.