Timo Seuranen

Synthesis of separation processes by case-based reasoning

A new approach to separation process synthesis and selection of single separations is presented. The method is based on the reuse of existing design cases by case-based reasoning (CBR). CBR is a method for finding the most similar existing separation designs and for applying the knowledge of their concept to solve new problems. The method has previously been applied for selecting single separations and simple sequences but has now been extended to cover synthesis of more complicated systems. The method is mainly intended to screening feasible process alternatives in preliminary process design for more detailed study by simulation.

Applying CBR and Object Database Techniques in Chemical Process Design

The aim of this paper is to introduce a new method for finding and reusing process equipment design and inherently safer process configurations by case-based reasoning (CBR) and object database techniques. CBR is based on finding most alike existing solutions and applying the knowledge of their properties for solving new problems in the early phases of design. This supports design engineers knowledge by allowing a systematic reuse of existing experience in order to improve the quality and safety of new designs. The possibilities of CBR and object database techniques in chemical process engineering field have been illustrated by two prototype applications.

Selection of separation sequences by case-based reasoning

Publisher Summary This chapter introduces a method for finding feasible separation-process sequences and separation-process structures utilizing case-based reasoning (CBR). This means finding the most similar existing separation processes and applying the knowledge of their concept and separation sequencing for solving new problems in the early phases of process design. In the majority of cases, distillation is the most feasible way to separate components. Therefore, the distillation related properties are studied first in the methodology. The strategy is to find a feasible distillation sequence for the separations where ordinary distillation is possible and then to solve the remaining separation problems with further reasoning, which apply other separation methods than ordinary distillation. The main steps of this algorithm are presented. Example for finding separation sequence is discussed.

Automated Process Design Using Web-Service based Parameterised Constructors

This paper introduces a web-service based approach in conceptual process design, parameterised constructors, which are able to construct process and initial data for control system configuration. Constructors use unit process or larger sub-process templates readily available in a plant model library. The templates consist of upper level process structures, control descriptions and detailed process structures. Thus, the preliminary process design can be defined in a more general level and as the design process proceeds, more accurate models (e.g. PI and automation diagrams, simulation models) are composed and used. Definitions of a common data model are also discussed.

Synthesis of separation processes by using case-based reasoning

The paper presents a new approach to chemical process synthesis, case-based reasoning (CBR). CBR is based on the reuse of proven process solutions, which are used for solving new problems. Examples are given to demonstrate the principles of conceptual reasoning of separation systems. The phases of reasoning in this application are: the search for specific separation methods for a single separation phase, search for creative new solutions by using analogies, using negative cases to exclude some solutions, adaptation by engineering formulas and comparison of cases. Two quality factors, maturity and performance, can be used to evaluate the quality of the cases.

Synthesis of Azeotropic Separation Systems by Case-Based Reasoning

Abstract This paper describes a case-based reasoning (CBR) approach that supports the design of azeotropic separation process structures. CBR finds the most similar existing separation processes and applies the knowledge of their concept for solving new problems. The method is applicable especially in the early phases of process design.