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Computer Aided Chemical Process Design Methodologies for Pollution Reduction
Description:
The objective of the project is to develop computer optimization and simulation methodologies for the design of economical chemical manufacturing processes with a minimum of impact on the environment. The computer simulation and optimization tools developed in this project can be used to minimize the potential environmental impact of emissions by designing and building entirely new plants, by modifying existing facilities, or by altering operating conditions . These computer tools will search for ways to minimize the potential impact of pollution while keeping capital and operating costs from increasing, i.e., the less polluting process would cost no more than that currently used. Three separate and increasingly sophisticated computer aided design methodologies for chemical process simulators will be developed. The first methodology will optimize the operating variables (e.g. flow rates, temperatures, pressures, etc.) while keeping costs from increasing, the second will optimize the configuration (e.g. the location and the interconnection between pieces of equipment) and the operating variables while keeping costs from increasing, and the third will simultaneously optimize configuration, operating variables, and cost. Mathematically, the methodologies will minimize a pollution index that is calculated by multiplying the mass of each pollutant being emitted by a measure of its potential impact and summing over all pollutants. This index is a very carefully constructed function encompassing a comprehensive list of human health and environmental impacts ranging from carcinogenicity to ozone depletion for each chemical. Minimizing the index will precise favor designs that minimize the risk to both human populations and the environment.
Status:
The project is in its third year ahead of schedule. Results thus far demonstrate that computer optimization can be used to find process designs that are economically and environmentally better than commonly used process designs.
Estimated Completion Date: FYOO
Pending Publications:
- Fu, Y., Diwekar, U., Young., D.M., and Cabezas, H., “Designing Processes for the Environment”, Process Design Tools for the Environment, in publication
- Cabezas, H., “Process Design for Environment: A Multi-objective Framework Under Uncertainty”, Clean Products & Processes, in publication.
Available Publications:
Fu, Y., Diwekar, U.M., Young, D.M., and H. Cabezas, “Designing Processes for Environmental Problems,” invited paper, “Process Design Tools for the Environment,” S.K. Sikdar and M. El-Halwagi, Eds., Taylor and Francis, in press.
Principal Investigator:
Heriberto Cabezas
cabezas.heriberto@epa.gov