Time for a New Class of Methods and Computer Aided Tools to Address the Challenges Facing Us

Systems Conversation with Rafiqul Gani, Former Head and Co-Founder of the Computer Aided Process Engineering Center (CAPEC)

A new class of methods and associated model-based computer aided tools are needed, where predictive and innovative capabilities are provided. Also, the many current and future needs, which may change, must be satisfied. For example, capabilities to synthesize new processing routes; to design chemicals-based products; to integrate resource management-utilization; to synthesize new intensified operations; to generate sustainable process alternatives and many more. Therefore, rather than provide large, complex and rigid process simulators, it could be useful to provide tailor-made problem specific tools configured from a library of different software components (databases, models, design work-flows, analysis tools, solvers, etc.) according to the needs of the user. Note that here, the process simulator is one of many components. The models in the component library needs to have predictive capabilities. It should be possible to generate tailor-made tools of different scales with smooth transition from one scale to the other for similar applications. Rafiqul will highlight the scope and significance of this new class of computer-aided tools and associated methods with several illustrative examples achieving significant improvements and proposing innovative, new and more sustainable solutions.