(1) Process Intensification: From Practice to Fundamentals, Part 1 — The Domains of Process Intensification
by Andrzej Stankiewicz, Delft Univ. of Technology
Successful process intensification (PI) relies on four guiding principles: maximize the effectiveness of intra- and intermolecular events; give each molecule the same processing experience; optimize the driving forces and resistances at every scale and maximize the specific surface areas to which these forces or resistances apply; and maximize the synergistic effects from partial processes. These principles involve operation in four domains: spatial, thermodynamic, functional, and temporal. This article discusses PI in terms of these four domains and provides examples of successful PI in each domain.
(2) Process Intensification: From Fundamentals to Practice, Part 2 — Selecting Process-Intensified Equipment
by Christophe Gourdon, Univ. of Toulouse
Building upon the discussion of the general principles of PI, this article presents a method for screening potential PI options based on the basic transport phenomena (momentum, mass, heat) and the chemical reaction as well as the domain (space, energy, synergy, time) and the scale of the application (micro, meso, macro). An example demonstrates the use of the methodology.
(3) Challenges and Opportunities in Process Modeling of Intensified Chemical Processes
by Chau-Chyun Chen, et al., Texas Tech Univ.
The pursuit of PI opportunities requires combining critical advances in process design principles and their corresponding process modeling and simulation tools. This article presents some of the challenges and opportunities in modeling several high-impact, intensified chemical processes, including biomass pyrolysis, gas adsorption, membrane separations, and electrochemical systems. The article also presents perspectives on progress in emerging process modeling solutions and tools for such intensified chemical processes.
(4) Sustainable Modular Chemical Production in Africa
by Paul Yelvington, RAPID, and Sipho Ndlela, Alternative Energy for Afrika
Developing countries have an opportunity to leapfrog old technologies and adopt advanced manufacturing techniques such as modular chemical process intensification (MCPI). This article explores how small, modular, distributed chemical processes might be used in the build-up of large chemical process infrastructure (e.g., pipelines and big plants) in the developing world.