PSE for problem solving excellence in industrial R&D

• Perspective on PSE and CAPE for industrial R&D.
• PSE and CAPE are vital for the essence of the industrial R&D function.
• Desired PSE developments from an industrial R&D perspective.

PSE, process systems engineering, is about the development and application of systematic methods for process studies by the chemical engineer. By means of software tools, the application of these methods is facilitated. Over the last about half a century, CAPE (computer aided process engineering) tools have found their way into process engineering. For example it is unthinkable nowadays to design a plant without a simulation through a process simulator. But there are many more applications of PSE in industry.The aim of this paper is to provide a taste of the meaning of PSE within the industrial R&D environment. The intention is not to provide a complete overview but to give a flavour of what is perceived as the benefits of PSE during process development, and, in which areas PSE should be extended to render further benefits. The combined approach of experiments and modelling offers a very (cost-)effective strategy in industrial R&D. Further improvements are desired in the areas related to process intensification (PI) and (conceptual) product design. It is believed that the current methods would be more beneficial and have a stronger applicability in industry by inclusion of semi-predictive models and uncertainty considerations.

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