(77a) Process Intensification: New Understanding and Systematic Approach

This work introduces a new understanding of process intensification and its application through a systematic approach. First, we redefine the process intensification as any activity which is characterized by one or more of the following: 1) smaller equipment for a given throughput, 2) higher throughput for a given equipment size, 3) less inventory of certain material for the same production, 4) less usage of material utilities, energy utilities, or feed stock for a given throughput and given equipment size, 5) higher throughput through process for a given process size, and 6) higher process yield for a given process size. Then, the paper introduces a systematic approach that link local equipment intensification with other units in plant for optimal results. At the end, a case study is solved to illustrate the applicability of this approach and results are compared with literature