Process analysis and economic optimization of intensified process alternatives for simultaneous industrial scale production of dimethyl carbonate and propylene glycol

- Evaluation of four intensified processes with respect to a base-case process.
- Memetic algorithm introduced and used for economic process optimizations.
- Memetic algorithm is more accurate and quicker than evolutionary algorithm.
- Use of reactive dividing wall columns decreases both operating and investment costs.
- Use of membrane separations decreases operating, while increasing investment costs.