Sustainable batch process retrofit design under uncertainty An integrated methodology

This work explores the problem of optimizing batch processes' retrofit design pursuing an increase of production efficiency and efficacy while accounting for the associated processes' sustainability, aspect that within the process industry is nowadays of increasing concern. Batch processes are often complex structures, where retrofitting is not always a straightforward procedure for the decision maker, requiring then supporting tools. Such tools are often characterized by having to deal with large scale optimization problems, where solutions are difficult to obtain. Moreover, the presence of uncertainty adds to the already complex problems an extra level of difficulty. Within this context, the present work proposes an integrated solution approach, uSB-Design, which aims to guide decision-makers in the definition of sustainable batch retrofit designs under uncertainty. The applicability of the proposed methodology is shown through a batch plant case study. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.