Properties and CAPE: from present uses to future challenges

The role of properties in the solution of Computer Aided Process Engineerin g (CAPE) problems is described in terms of current trend, future challenges and important issues. Three distinct roles of properties in CAFE have been identified - a service role, a service plus advice role and a service, adv ice plus solve role. The CAFE problems solved under each of these roles are described together with simple illustrative examples. Finally, the paper d escribes how some of the future problems related to integration of synthesi s, design and control might be dealt with efficiently and reliably through co-operative CAFE and properties methodologies. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science L td. All rights reserved.