Advances in computer aided design

Current research in Computer Aided Process Design can be classified into three basic tasks: analysis, synthesis and evaluation. This paper reviews improved methods for these tasks from a quantitative perspective. Specifically examples will be given in all three areas on applications of operations research, numerical analysis and mathematical programming to solve chemical process problems. To provide a flavor for this research the paper briefly outlines strategies for flowsheeting and continues with flowsheet optimization. Next process synthesis is introduced and the specific example of heat integration is described. A description of the quantification of process operability for evaluation is given. Finally, some future directions are defined and studies are cited that support these directions.