SYNOPSIS – Synthesis of Operable Process Intensification

Executive Summary

This project looks to achieve the aggressive goal of discovering potential MCPI process configurations that are both safe and operable based on using existing modeling approaches. The team will link together and expand upon existing modeling tools that are in various stages of development to create an environment that can define potential MCPI solutions without needing to define potential process schemes. This approach to process synthesis is high risk, but could create unanticipated and highly valuable solutions. As a test chemistry, the team will look at hydrogen production approaches to define potential MCPI solutions that improve upon SMR.

Technical Challenge

  • Linking modeling tools broadly across the process design and operations space
  • Creating a usable software application that allows for broad industry impact

Potential Impact

There is no current commercial software available that allows for novel conceptual process designs without requesting equipment and flowsheet structures beforehand, and at the same time, provides a specialized PI model library. The tools developed in academia either disregard process intensification or are incapable of encompassing the whole roadmap required for an operable process design. Hence, the resultant design procedures, software prototype, and model library generated within this program will be unique with its holistic view on process intensification via integrating the process synthesis, design, optimization, and control tasks in a single software platform. The application showcase on thermal decomposition of methane will provide a commercially promising pathway for large-scale production of high-quality carbon materials. SYNOPSIS will contribute to bridging the gap between lab scale and commercial application of methane pyrolytic conversion by combining process synthesis, reaction engineering, and heat management. In doing so, it will demonstrate a generic process for employing PI for challenges across industry.

Investigator
Date Approved
Project Number
-
Initial TRL Level
-
Current TRL level
3
Project Funding
4,600,000
Focus Areas
Partner Organizations

Dow

Dow combines the power of science and technology to passionately innovate what is essential to Human Progress