Design of nonconventional processes

Abstract

Traditionally, Process Systems Engineering (PSE) places a great deal of emphasis on petrochemical plants and related unit operations for a couple of reasons. First, it is advantageous to compare different computational algorithms and approaches developed in PSE using common, well-known examples. Second, there is a wealth of information such as thermodynamic parameters in databanks that can be used in the computations. With the profession expanding into biotechnology, environmental technologies, advanced materials, etc., it is highly desirable to apply PSE approaches and techniques to problems in these new areas as well. The main hurdle is that the problems in these non-petrochemical areas are often scientific and exploratory in nature. There are simply not enough experimental data and understanding for synthesis, optimization and modeling, some of the major activities of PSE. This mismatch is reflected in the dearth of new Chemical Engineering faculty members engaging in PSE. The aim of the reviews in this issue is to examine some of these nascent areas with emphasis on the identification of problems that are PSE in nature, the challenges and possible solutions.