Process systems engineering treats the way in which a complex system behaves as a whole. For example, a sticking valve or a contaminated feed might result in the failure of a complete manufacturing plant or unit process. Process systems engineering uses domain knowledge and mathematical and experimental techniques to build computer models of all the unit processes that make up a chemical plant, refinery, biological cell or supply chain. These models can then be integrated to predict the behaviour of the system as a whole and used to test the outcome of various design options, process changes or failures at the system level.  It can also be used to optimise the system to produce a particular outcome.  Process systems engineering has been shown to be a very powerful and flexible approach to developing a detailed understanding of complex systems as diverse as biological cells, industrial chemical plant, refineries, supply chains, energy systems and urban infrastructure. 

Why is it of value to an industrial organisation?

This approach has many industrial applications and has been used successfully by members of CPSE to optimise plant configurations, chemical process conditions, molecular synthesis routes and to control biological synthesis.  Key drivers include criteria such as investment and opportunity costs, energy consumption, environmental impact and management of uncertainty and risk. Recent work includes the computer aided design of high performance reaction solvents, production management in paper making, process intensification, design of high purity protein separation systems, design of new devices such as solid oxide fuel cells, PV systems and metal hydride tank reactors, control of PEM fuel cells, real time analysis of industrial plant including rotating machinery, refinery wide optimisation, design of building energy systems and bioenergy systems analysis.    Since its inauguration, the Centre has included an Industrial Consortium to provide opportunities for member companies to become involved in the specification, development, validation and final commercial implementation of algorithms, software tools and methodologies derived from leading edge generic research performed in the Centre. Please click here for a complete list of benefits exclusive to our members.