Simultaneous Process Synthesis and Process Intensification using Building Blocks

Abstract We present a novel superstructure based on building blocks for simultaneous process synthesis and intensification. We use the combination of building blocks to represent different equipment and flowsheets. Blocks and interaction of blocks with each other via mass and energy balances serve to represent different phenomena, tasks and unit operations for process intensification. A collection of blocks with different types generates an intensified unit. The overall problem is proposed as a large-scale, nonconvex mixed-integer nonlinear optimization problem. The applicability of our approach is demonstrated through a case study on methanol production from biogas.