Process design decision support system for developing process chemistry

We present a methodology and computer-based process design decision support system (PDDSS) that critiques laboratory-scale process chemistry based on an engineering analysis of a process topology developed from what is curren tly known about the process chemistry. The process topology is a functional ly generated "flow sheet" for a feasible process comprised of a generic equ ipment configuration. Equipment in the topology consists of models and know ledge that allow for early analysis of cost, environmental, regulatory, and safety issues that may become important as the project moves from experime ntal process research to engineering design. By coupling experimental chemi stry development with interactive, engineering-based evaluation, PDDSS can accelerate the overall development process and enables the underlying chemi stry to better meet financial and processing goals. PDDSS is unique in its approach by integrating downstream engineering considerations with laborato ry-scale chemical synthesis. This paper discusses the knowledge framework a nd operation of PDDSS using a case study.