Steps
Step 1
Mixture Analysis
This step performs thermodynamic analysis and exergy analysis of chemical processes, revealing process energy utilization efficiency and irreversible losses. Exergy analysis is an advanced method for evaluating process energy quality, quantifying exergy losses of each unit based on the second law of thermodynamics, identifying weak links in energy utilization. Provides directional guidance for energy-saving retrofitting and process optimization.
• Determine environmental state parameters (T0, P0), calculate enthalpy, entropy and exergy values of each stream, establish exergy balance equations
• Calculate exergy loss and exergy efficiency of each unit equipment, identify key equipment with maximum irreversible loss
• Plot heat integration temperature-enthalpy diagram (T-H diagram) and pinch analysis, determine minimum utility consumption and energy saving potential
Deliverable: Exergy analysis report (including exergy balance table, unit exergy loss distribution diagram, pinch analysis diagram, energy saving potential assessment) | Quality standard: Exergy balance closed, clear loss distribution, reasonable energy saving potential analysis
Step 2
Separation Sequence Synthesis
This step performs organic synthesis route design and reaction mechanism research, determining the optimal synthesis path through retrosynthetic analysis. Organic synthesis design requires comprehensive consideration of reaction selectivity, yield, cost, safety and environmental protection, selecting the optimal scheme among multiple possible routes. Use retrosynthetic analysis and reaction mechanism research to guide synthesis route design.
• Apply retrosynthetic analysis, starting from the target molecule, derive synthetic precursors through disconnection and functional group transformation
• Investigate literature basis, reaction conditions, yields and reagent costs for each reaction route, conduct techno-economic comparison
• Study mechanisms of key reactions, perform transition state calculation and selectivity prediction using Gaussian
Deliverable: Synthesis route design report (including retrosynthetic analysis, reaction route comparison, mechanism study, recommended route, experimental plan) | Quality standard: Reasonable route design, in-depth mechanism analysis, feasible scheme, green and environmentally friendly
Step 3
Rigorous Column Calculation
This step performs detailed calculations of chemical engineering processes, obtaining quantitative design parameters and performance indicators. Calculation is the core means of chemical engineering design, providing quantitative basis for process design through material balance, energy balance and equipment calculation. Must strictly follow chemical engineering design specifications and standards, ensuring accurate and reliable calculation results.
• Determine calculation methods and formulas, clarify theoretical basis and assumptions, draw calculation flow chart
• Perform process simulation calculations using Aspen Plus or PROII, obtain material stream data and equipment parameters
• Manually verify key calculation results, cross-validate through empirical formulas or simplified models, ensuring calculation accuracy
Deliverable: Calculation document (including calculation formulas, calculation process, result data table, simulation files, validation comparison) | Quality standard: Correct calculation method, clear process, accurate results, sufficient verification
Step 4
Energy Optimization
This step performs optimization design of chemical processes, seeking the optimal techno-economic solution under constraint conditions. Chemical engineering optimization involves multi-objective decision-making, requiring balance among investment, energy consumption, operating cost and product quality. Systematically search the optimal solution space using a combination of process simulation and mathematical programming methods.
• Determine optimization objective function (e.g., minimum annualized total cost, maximum NPV) and constraint conditions (production, purity, safety and environmental protection, etc.)
• Perform single-parameter and multi-parameter optimization using Aspen Plus sensitivity analysis or Aspen Optimization
• Conduct techno-economic evaluation, calculate payback period, IRR and other indicators, compare performance before and after optimization
Deliverable: Optimization design report (including optimization model, parameter optimization process, techno-economic analysis, before-after comparison, recommended scheme) | Quality standard: Clear optimization objectives, scientific method, significant effects, feasible solution
Step 5
Economic Evaluation and Report
This step is a critical element in chemical engineering projects, using chemical engineering principles and professional methods to solve process problems. Chemical engineering emphasizes transport phenomena and reaction engineering, requiring rigorous thermodynamic analysis and material/energy balance at every step. Industry standard methods and professional chemical engineering software are used to ensure design reliability and economics.
• Develop detailed technical solutions and calculation methods according to chemical engineering design specifications and standards
• Use professional chemical engineering software (Aspen Plus/PROII/ChemCAD, etc.) for process simulation and optimization calculations
• Perform material balance and energy balance verification, ensuring results are accurate and reliable and meet engineering requirements
Deliverable: Chemical engineering design report (including process flow diagram, material and energy balance, equipment selection, economic analysis) | Quality standard: Standard methods, accurate data, reasonable design, economically feasible