Designing sustainable processes with simulation: the waste reduction (WAR)algorithm

The WAR algorithm, a methodology for determining the potential environmenta l impact (PEI) of a chemical process, is presented with modifications that account for the PEI of the energy consumed within that process. From this t heory, four PEI indexes are used to evaluate the environmental friendliness of a process design. These indexes are used in a comparative manner in the process design stage to help minimize the environmental impact of that pro cess. Eight PEI categories (four global and four toxicological) are used in the evaluation of the PEI indexes. Details for relating these categories t o known or measured quantities are also presented. An illustrative case stu dy is presented which provide an example for the intended use of the WAR al gorithm within the scope of process design and simulation. (C) 1999 Elsevie r Science Ltd. All rights reserved.