Design of sustainable batch processes through simultaneous minimization of process waste, cleaning agent and energy

Abstract

The need for sustainable operation has propelled the batch process industries to consider waste minimization starting from the early stages of process development. However, the time-dependent characteristics of batch operation present challenges in minimizing, recovering and recycling of waste. We present an intelligent system that addresses these by integrating different process systems engineering methodologies - process graph (Pgraph), hierarchical design strategy, water reuse method, and multi-objective stochastic optimization. We illustrate the system on a well-known literature case study. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.