Property-based integration for sustainable development

This paper provides a systematic approach for optimal resource allocation, unit manipulation, and waste reduction using integrated component-less design. In particular, we identify a new procedure for determining optimal modifications in the design and operating variables of the process so as to optimize the allocation of process resources and minimize waste discharge. Interval arithmetic tools are used to derive rigorous bounds on the process performance, when all allowable changes in design and operating variables are considered. These bounds are mapped into a "trust region of clusters", which represents the feasible search domain. In addition, material substitution strategies are considered for optimizing both the process and the fresh properties. A case study is also presented to illustrate the applicability of the proposed approach.