Computer Modelling and Simulation in Chemical Processes Pollution Prevention

Abstract

In this work a strategy is described for designing chemical processes with improved economic and environmental performance, using computer modeling and simulation. This strategy is applied during process development stages of process synthesis and conceptual design, where the flowsheet of a chemical process is developed and evaluated. The several steps of this strategy include process synthesis, modelling and simulation, preliminary assessment, generation of alternative design options, detailed assessment, feasibility analysis and finally screening of alternatives to arrive to the best design option. This strategy takes into account the process flowsheet, the open and fugitive emissions and the potential environmental impacts (PEI's) of a chemical process. It places a high emphasis on pollution prevention and waste minimisation, focusing on those chemical components and process streams that have the largest contribution to the PEI's and the largest economic potential, revealing where attention should be focused when designing a chemical process.