Incorporation of dynamic behaviour in an automated process synthesis system

Incorporating non-economic criteria into an automated process synthesis procedure enables an engineer to prune, more easily and more effectively, the large design space early in the design process. Although existing synthesis procedures are based on the use of steady state modelling, issues such as operability and flexibility are best handled through the use of dynamic models. This paper describes a discrete programming approach, implemented in the Jacaranda synthesis tool, incorporating dynamic modelling for the generation of process designs, which meet specified criteria for operability or flexibility. Particular attention is given to implementation issues, including especially how to incorporate dynamic modelling efficiently in an automated environment. An example of the design of separation sequences with good start-up and feed disturbance behaviour is presented. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.