PSE and business decision-making in the chemical engineering curriculum

Abstract

Abstract This manuscript discusses approaches for providing chemical engineering students a modern experience in product and process design with an objective of exposing them to process systems engineering (PSE) and business decision-making. After typical mechanisms for business decision-making are reviewed, a template is introduced that presents the steps in product and process design. These involve a blend of heuristic and algorithmic methods, with emphasis on the usage of modern computer tools, especially the process simulators. Then emphasis is placed on the use of case studies, design projects, and other aspects of product and process design courses, to teach students the role of these steps and computer tools in supporting the high-level business decisions required in the process industries.