Process systems engineering developments in Europe from an industrial and academic perspective

Abstract

Process Systems Engineering (PSE) is a discipline that deals with decision-making, at all levels and scales, by understanding any complex process system using a holistic view and a systems thinking framework. A closely related discipline (considered usually a part of PSE) is the Computer Aided Process Engineering (CAPE) which is a complementary field that focuses on developing methods and providing solution through systematic computer aided techniques for problems related to the design, control and operation of chemical systems. Nowadays, the ‘PSE’ term suffers from a branding issue to the point that PSE no longer gets the recognition that it deserves. In chemical engineering education the integrative systems frame for process design, control and operations is virtually absent. Its application potential in process industry lags relative to academic research progress and results. This work aims to provide an informative industrial and academic perspective on PSE (focused on the European region), arguing that the ‘systems thinking’ and ‘systems problem solving’ have to be given priority over just applications of computational problem solving methods. A multi-level view of the PSE field is provided within the academic and industrial context, and enhancements for PSE are suggested at their industrial and academic interfaces to create win-win situations.