In the last decade Process Synthesis has been an emerging active area of research. Since
1999 at COMPS, we have continuously applied this technique to many studies and
recently have carefully started to consider the integration of this technique with others to
simplify multilevel process design. In this regard the need for new tools that do not
require very accurate data or experimental technique has become an imperative for the
initial analysis of systems. This thesis presents some of these results.Process synthesis
requires new rapid tools for the assessment and comparison of new technologies
(possibilities) in the process development stage.This thesis examines and formulates
process synthesis problems in the case of separation processes (separation with mixing ,
separation with reaction).Using simple generic vectorial tools, the thesis addresses the
folowing issue: How the topology and mapping of the process vector field defines
patterns that may be used for alternative process synthesis solution and design (structure
selection ,stability analysis or controllability etc...) . The tools presented are intended for
preliminary process design and feasibility studies and will allow for simple comparisons
of various options.The key principle used in the study is the exploitation of the generic
vectorial representation of fundamental physical phenomena (separation, mixing ,
reaction) in the process models as used for process synthesis and analysis.The
demonstrated power of this approach is that it allows one to exploit the formal
mathematical similarities between the different processing modes. Extensive topological
Reactive Column Profile has been generated and analysed, offering new insights for
manipulation of process behaviour in process synthesis and design. The significance of
the contribution of this research is in offering extended fundamental insigths in creating
process synthesis options for reactive-separations systems, creating the essential structural
basis for subsequent mathematical optimisation of the performanceof process designs.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:wits/oai:wiredspace.wits.ac.za:10539/5810 |
| Date | 23 October 2008 |
| Creators | Mulopo, Jean Lubilanji |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | application/pdf |
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