The concept of green engineering is simple; putting some forethought
in the initial design of a process today can ensure that the operation
of that process is environmentally friendly in the future. Reducing the
generation of pollution and making the process as efficient as possible
in the design phase makes it easier to minimize the impact on the environment
in the future. Engineers today are in a unique position to shape the world
of tomorrow by designing environmentally friendly processes, developing
innovative technology, and improving existing processes to reduce waste,
pollution, & emissions, reuse equipment and utility stream, and recycle
materials. All of these can have a dramatically positive affect on the
world of tomorrow. Green engineering and being environmentally friendly
typically increases profitability without any additional design costs
There are many tools available commercially that facilitate green engineering.
Simulation software for example, gives engineers the ability to work with
a process in the virtual world without expense and time delays of testing
a process in the real world. Steady-state simulation software, for instance,
allows an engineer to evaluate different process configurations and rate
existing systems to pinpoint optimal designs that reduce waste. A steady
state simulation can be used to model the preheat train to a crude distillation
column to determine the exchanger configuration that would optimize the
heat recovery and minimize the utility costs. This reduces the utility
usage and increases profitability while also benefiting the environment.
Dynamic simulation software is another tool that facilitates green engineering.
Dynamic simulation software allows a process’ control scheme to be
evaluated under a variety of operating conditions including: start-up,
shut-down, and virtually every operating variation in between. A dynamic
simulation can be used to optimize a start-up sequence that minimizes waste
by starting the process up as quickly and as safely as possible.
Simulation software can also apply green engineering to processes that
are currently operational. Online optimization software and advanced process
control can optimize a process and control it in a stable manner continuously.
The goal is to keep the plant as stable as possible since stability aids
in the minimization of energy consumption and maximization of throughput.
Using online optimization software will allow a process to be run at an
optimal level 24 hours a day, everyday, while accounting for changes in
the market related to raw material, process utilities, and product prices.
Advanced process control software yields tighter, more accurate control
of the process that reduces waste, energy usage, and increases product
quality. Coupling the online optimization software with advanced process
control allows the plant to be operated with stability at optimal levels,
resulting in increased profit, and increased environmental friendliness.
The world’s growing population is going to continue to demand more
from our hydrocarbon processing, chemical, pharmaceutical, and petrochemical
industries. It is up to the engineers of today to secure a greener tomorrow
by implementing the green engineering techniques and tools available. The
emerging markets of heavy oils and biofuels need engineers to take a lead
role in developing efficient, environmentally friendly processes to harness
the most for these fuel supplies.
Invensys Process Systems provides a wide array of solutions that can aid
in implementing green engineering designs including safety shut-down systems,
control systems, measurement devices, and operator training systems. For
more information on Invensys Process Systems, or any of their offerings
including: steady-state simulation (PRO/II, HEXTRAN, VISUAL FLOW, INPLANT),
dynamic simulation (DYNSIM), online optimization (ROMeo), or advanced process
control (CONNOISSEUR), go to www.ips.invensys.com.
Author Bio:
Joseph McMullen
Product Manager, Invensys Process Systems
Joseph.McMullen@ips.invensys.com
Office: 484-840-9450
Joseph McMullen is a Product Manager for Invensys Process Systems. Joseph
joined SimSci-Esscor in April 2001 as a Senior Technical Support Engineer
and Account Manager. Since 2006, he has been a Product Manager within the
SimSci-Esscor Business Line Management group working with the Process Engineering
Suite and the Online Performance Suite of products. He is currently the
PES/Portal Product manager Responsible for development, positioning, and
global marketing of SimSci-Esscor's Process Engineering Suite (PES) and
the SIM4ME Portal. Joseph received his Bachelor of Science in Chemical
Engineering and Masters of Business Administration from Villanova University
in 2000 & 2004 respectively.
