Component-less design of recovery and allocation systems: a functionality-based clustering approach

The objective of this paper is to introduce a novel design paradigm: 'compo nent-less design' which is driven by tracking properties and not components . This new paradigm is particularly useful for (1) systems where applicatio ns an driven by properties or functionality of the streams and not by their chemical constituency or (2) when the streams include numerous (almost inf inite number of) components. The focus of the paper is to identify optimal strategies for the recovery and allocation of volatile organic compounds (V OCs). The infinite-dimensional problem is mapped into a two-dimensional vis ualization domain by introducing the novel concept of clustering. It is bas ed on tracking functionality and properties of the complex hydrocarbon mixt ures as opposed to their individual components. The clusters are tailored s o as to maintain two fundamental rules for intra-and inter-stream conservat ion. The new concept of clustering along with its unique attributes are der ived mathematically. Its application in visualization tools and revised lev el-arm manipulation are also illustrated. Finally, these clusters are incor porated into mass integration framework to determine optimal strategies for the recovery and allocation of complex hydrocarbon mixtures. (C) 2000 Else vier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.