Product driven process synthesis methodology

Abstract In the last ten years much more processes are being reported to be designed through a process synthesis approach. It has been recognized during those years that (i) processes for structured products are more difficult to design through process synthesis; (ii) process synthesis is disconnected from product development. In a response to those shortfalls a number of authors have described that the gaps need to be filled, however no methodology extension has been proposed. In this work, we will present extensions to the conceptual process synthesis methodology to include (structured) product design. The whole design methodology spans from how the new product can enlighten the consumer, financial and supply chain boundary conditions, through an optimal flowsheet able to produce the desired product cost effectively. A real case study will be used to illustrate the applicability and scope of the proposed methodology