Synthesis of reactive and combined reactor separation systems utilizing a mass heat exchange transfer module

Systems of combined reaction and separation operations are of increasing in terest due to their potential to lower operating and investment costs, and reduce environmental emmisions. However, in terms bf synthesis of reactive systems, there are no generally accepted procedures that can capture both r eaction and hybrid reactive/separation possibilities. This paper presents a systematic approach for the synthesis of reactive/separation systems, util izing a phenomena-based representation formulated within a superstructure o ptimization framework. A multifunctional process module is utilized as the building block of process alternatives, which are not explicitly prepostula ted but rather investigated as mass and heat exchange possibilities. (C) 19 99 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.