Process and Environmental Simulation Tool for Sustainable Process Selection.

Process simulation is the backbone for advancing a chemical concept from laboratory to commercialization. Such a tool helps us determine the technical as well as economic viability of a new concept. More recently, the sustainability of a chemical process has assumed significant importance, requiring additional modelling of environmental impacts in addition to technical and economic feasibility. Process engineering is integral to performing accurate and credible environmental calculations. Additional simulation tools are increasingly being used to assess life cycle environmental impacts of new products and processes. In this presentation, the link between process engineering and environmental calculations will be demonstrated using SimaPro life cycle software. An example of the use of this simulation methodology will be presented for foam expansion agents used in spray foam insulation applications.