The focus of part I of the case study course lies on the literature-based comparison of chemical process alternatives. Based on this compilation and selected quantitative as well as qualitative measures, a process assessment and comparison is conducted. A basic flowsheet is then generated, and mass and energy balances are performed to carry out a preliminary economic and environmental assessment.

Based on part I of the case study course the main reaction and purification steps of one process alternative are investigated. Models describing the different unit operations have to be built. These models are used for a sensitivity analysis and optimization of the operating conditions. The results are discussed with regard to technical, economic, safety, and environmental implications.

A chemical process is investigated using one or several simulation programs. A cost calculation has to be implemented considering investment and operating cost. Afterwards sensitivity analyses and optimizations are conducted considering technical and in particular economic criteria.

This course covers fundamentals as wells as applications of chemical process simulation and flowsheeting. It gives an introduction to steady-state and dynamic simulation techniques and flowsheeting software. The case studies used in the exercises range from single unit operations to complete chemical processes.