Automating hierarchical environmentally‐conscious design using integrated software: VOC recovery case study

Abstract

AbstractTraditionally, chemical process design and optimization has mainly been based on economic considerations. Currently, the scope is being extended to include environmentally‐conscious process design (ECD). ECD will be facilitated by the emergence of integrated design methodologies and tools. The objectives of this paper are to present a hierarchical design methodology for environmentally‐conscious process design, and an integrated assessment and optimization software. An application for the recycle of VOCs from a gaseous waste stream is presented using this design methodology and software. Revenue increased and environmental impacts were reduced. The net present value for the optimum design is approximately $900,000, which is much higher than the base case design, −$2,498,200. A composite environmental index decreases from 1.19 × 10−4 in the base case to about 1.30 × 10−5 in the optimum case.This automated tool along with the embedded design methodology provides an effective and efficient way to perform environmentally‐conscious chemical process design and optimization.