A Modeling Framework for Chemical Process Design through a Computer-aided System

This paper deals with a modeling environment for systematic chemical process design through a Computer-Aided Modeling System (CAMS), whose potential is highlighted through a case study. In particular, the capability of ICAS-MoT (an integrated modeling environment) to build, analyze, manipulate, solve and visualize mathematical models is shown. Our main interest is to use models for process design and analysis by testing and implementing them as fast as possible (in a reliable and efficient manner), writing the model equations without any programming effort, generating modules that can be exported through a model transfer feature to other simulation engines and/or external software, and implementing several process/model configurations in the same environment. From the application perspective, the modeling, operational analysis and process configuration of an emulsion polymerization reactor is considered. The case study highlights the advantages of using a computer-aided modeling system in terms of time and modeling effort.