Process hybrid/multi-scale

Hessel and Lowe report on hybrid, i.e. multi-scale, approaches which are currently most often favored for micro-reactor plant construction, simply for practical time and cost reasons [9, 10]. In addition, such an approach allows one to fit micro reactors in existing industrial, producing and academia, measuring environments. The micro reactor is only used where it is really needed and costs for changing the processing are kept to a minimum in such a way (Figure 1.9). 

The realization of complete bench-scale micro reactor set-ups is certainly still in its infancy. Nevertheless, the first investigations and proposals point at different generic concepts. First, this stems from the choice of the constructing elements for such set-ups. Either microfluidic components can be exclusively employed (the so-caUed monolithic concept) or mixed with conventional components (the so-called hybrid or multi-scale concept). Secondly, differences concerning the task of a micro-reactor plant exist. The design can be tailor-made for a specific reaction or process (specialty plant) or be designated for various processing tasks (multi-purpose plant). 

Okubo K, Fujii T, Thostenson ET (2009) Multi-scale hybrid biocomposite processing and mechanical characterization of bamboo fibre reinforced PLA with microfibrillated cellulose. Compos Part A-Appl Sci Manuf 40 469-475... 

It is the model library for fixed-bed catalytic reaction, fluidised-bed and various polymer reactors and so on. Different tools are available in gPROMS software for simulation and modelling of various systems. Some of the following are (i) multi-scale modelling of complex processes and phenomena, (ii) State-of-the-art model validation tools allow estimation of multiple model parameters from steady-state and dynamic experimental data, and provide rigorous model-based data analysis, (iii) The maximum amount of parameter information from the minimum number of experiments, (iv) The gPROMS-CFD Hybrid Multitubular interface provides ultimate accuracy in the modelling of... 

Oksman K, Mathew AP, Bondeson D, Kvien I (2006) Manufacturing process of cellulose whiskers/polylactic acid nanocomposites. Compos Sci Technol 66 2776-2784 Oksman K, Mathew AP, Sain M (2009) Novel bionanocomposites processing, poperties and potential applications. Plast Rubber Compos 38 47-61 Okubo K, Fujii T, Thostenson ET (2009) Multi-scale hybrid biocoraposite processing and mechanical characterization of bamboo fibta reinforced PLA with microfibrillated cellulose. Compos Part A-Appl Sci Manufact 40 469-475... 

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