Formation of RAPID Center for Process Modeling

Executive Summary

RAPID aims to improve energy efficiency, reduce feedstock waste, and improve productivity by promoting modular chemical process intensification (PI) for processing industries in the U.S. manufacturing sector. To facilitate consistent and objective evaluation of performance metrics of various PI projects, RAPID has established this program to support and/or perform first principles-based process modeling for both baseline and intensified processes. Representing an alliance of academia, national laboratories, and industry, this project establishes a center for process modeling (CPM) responsible for process model-based metrics evaluation under RAPID sponsorship. The CPM objectives include: 1) to standardize and advance process modeling methodology for evaluating DOE performance metrics; 2) to validate and capture PI insights for RAPID PI projects with process models; and 3) to serve as the repository for RAPID process models for distribution, education, and continual refinement.

Technical Challenge

Maximizing the utility of existing process modeling tools in evaluating new PI technologies

Potential Impact

CPM develops novel process modeling methodologies for non-traditional chemical processes that build off of existing process modeling tools. First principles process modeling is the best way to capture PI insights and fundamentals, which further provide guidance to the intensification of other processes with similar process operations. In addition, novel process modeling methodology advances for non-traditional chemical processes will have broad and lasting impact beyond the RAPID PI projects for the US industry.

Resources

Texas Tech University has decades of experience in applied thermodynamics and process modeling, which is supplemented by support from a broad set of industrial partners. Team members at SRNL and Georgia Tech bring experience in modeling non-steady and non-traditional process technologies, such as those found in several RAPID projects.

Investigator
Date Approved
Project Number
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Initial TRL Level
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Current TRL level
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Project Funding
5,700,000
Focus Areas
Partner Organizations

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