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Industrial Ecology - Hierarchical Process Design
Description:
Hierarchical process design is a method for developing conceptual designs of chemical processes where one uses more detail as designs progress. At each level of the hierarchy the designer evaluates the economics of a process, so that uneconomical processes can be dropped as early as possible. The work in progress here is to evaluate the environmental impact of a process in parallel with the economics. This will allow designers to examine environmental concerns early in development. Addressing environmental impacts early in the development of a process is vital because designs usually become locked-in as designs progress. The expected result is a simple method for designing processes where both the economics and environment are considered.
Status: The method for evaluating processes at the top level of the hierarchical design procedure has been determined. Currently, examples of different processes are under study. Additional work could expand the method to consider more detailed designs.
Estimated Completion Date: The initial part of this work should be done in FY00
Principal Investigator:
Ray Smith
smith.raymond@epa.gov