Page 15 - Design of Simple and Robust Process Plants

XVI Preface
example reactive separations or divided wall column distillation for three-
component distillation,and equipment has also been combined. Process
intensification efforts lead to a reduction in the size of equipment by increas-
ing the surface area per volume,increasing transfer coefficients by turbu-
lence generation,and utilizing centrifugal forces ( highgee') to achieve
improved phase separation. The process and control technologies have also
benefited from the enlarged capability of modeling the processes,both stati-
cally and dynamically.
. Computer technology has made tremendous progress,and this has enabled
the development of digital instrumentation systems with powered processors
where models can be used to enhance control processes. Computer technol-
ogy also permits the dynamic modeling of process plants that makes the
design of control a reality,while optimization optimizations models can be
applied with reasonable response times. The application of integrated circuits
(ICs) for smart instruments is a spin-off which makes instruments more
accurate and reliable,while communication technology has been so greatly
enhanced that the remote operation of process facilities is clearly achievable.
. Operational and control design based on first-principle dynamic models is
now a reality. The design of operational procedures to comply with first-pass
prime production can be supported by dynamic models. In addition,control
technology has been developed to a point where analyses based on dynamic
models can be made available to judge design alternatives on controllability.
The critical control loops can be tested and tuned in closed loops in simula-
tions to support robust control.

This book has been written with students,engineers,and managers involved in the
design and operation of process plants in mind,the intention being to provide them
with an approach for the different design and operational aspects to design simple
and robust process plants. The design techniques for sizing of equipment are not
described,as there are many publications in this field. Although most examples are
taken from the chemical industry,the approaches are similar for other processes
such as food,pharmaceutical and water treatment plants.
Despite the vast amount of material that has been combined and structured into
this book,a great deal of imagination and conviction will be required in order to
achieve a design which deviates structurally from the well-trodden pathways of tradi-
tional design approaches. Put simply,this can be re-phrased as:

ªThe design of an optimal designed safe and reliable plant,operated hands-off at
the most economical conditions becomes a realityª.

The Netherlands Jan Koolen

For those who want to comment on the book or have valuable additional infor-
mation about process simplification please feel free to contact me. E-mail address:
ILA.KOOLEN@wxs.nl