Process synthesis, design and analysis using process-group contribution method

This paper describes the development and application of a framework for synthesis, design, and analysis of chemical and biochemical processes. The framework is based on the principle of group contribution used for prediction of physical properties. The fundamental pillars of this methodology are the definition and use of process-groups (building blocks) representing process operations, flowsheet connectivity rules to join the process-groups and flowsheet property models to evaluate the performance of the flowsheet structures.

This framework for synthesis and design of chemical and biochemical processes along with the associated models and tools is generic and can be applied either to retrofit problems where improvement of an existing process flowsheet is desired or to design a new process flowsheet. Based on the framework, a prototype software has been developed and its application is highlighted through a case study involving the well-known HDA process. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.