Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
1
Process Intensification: An Overview
of Principles and Practice
Kamelia Boodhoo and Adam Harvey
School of Chemical Engineering & Advanced Materials,
Newcastle University, UK
1.1
Introduction
The beginning of the 21st century has been markedly characterized by increased environ-
mental awareness and pressure from legislators to curb emissions and improve energy
efficiency by adopting 'greener technologies'. In this context, the need for the chemical
industry to develop processes which are more sustainable or eco-efficient has never been so
vital. The successful delivery of green, sustainable chemical technologies at industrial
scale will inevitably require the development of innovative processing and engineering
technologies that can transform industrial processes in a fundamental and radical fashion.
In bioprocessing, for example, genetic engineering of microorganisms will obviously play
a major part in the efficient use of biomass, but development of novel reactor and
separation technologies giving high reactor productivity and ultimately high-purity
products will be equally important for commercial success. Process intensification (PI)
can provide such sought-after innovation of equipment design and processing to enhance
process efficiency.
