Process synthesis algorithmic methods

ISI can be used also as an objective function in computerized process synthesis. Process synthesis can be considered as an optimization task. Because the model is uncontinuous, ordinary optimization methods could not be used, but a genetic algorithm was employed instead. In a genetic algorithm the structure of the process was represented as a string of integers, which describes the operations required and how they are connected together. 

Conception is the most critical step in the development of a new process. Though still done largely on the basis of experience and intuition, it may be implemented with process synthesis. Computerized algorithms may provide for a large number of possible routes to a product. This method, combined with the analysis of raw material costs and DS-51 ASTM tests for process hazardousness, are the best options to speed up the bench-scale development of new chemical processes. Thus, one or a reduced number of routes to the desired product can be identified for preliminary process development. 

Ohtsuka, T., and Kasuya, H. An improved speech analysis-synthesis algorithm based on the autoregressive with exogenous input speech production model. In Proceedings of the International Conference on Speech and Language Processing 2000 (2000). Ohtsuka, T., and Kasuya, H. Aperiodicity control in ARX-hased speech analysis-synthesis method. In Proceedings of Eurospeech 2001 (2001). 

Detailed Process Synthesis Using Algorithmic Methods... 

Finally, before leaving this section on preliminary process synthesis, the limitations of the heuristic approaches should not be overlooked. Many algorithmic methods are very effective for the synthesis of alternative flowsheets, their analysis, and optimization. These methods are usually used by design teams in parallel with their work on the development of the base-case design, which is the subject of the next section. The algorithmic methods are easily implemented and are illustrated with many examples in Part Two of this text (Chapters 6-12). 

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