Process Integration

Pinch Analysis is a well-established methodology of Process Integration for designing optimal networks for recovery and conservation of resources such as heat, mass, water, carbon, gas, properties and solid materials for more than four decades. However its application to power systems analysis still needs development. This paper extends the Pinch Analysis concept used in Process Integration to determine the minimum electricity targets for systems comprising hybrid renewable energy sources. PoPA (Power Pinch Analysis) tools described in this paper include graphical techniques to determine the minimum target for outsourced electricity and the amount of excess electricity for storage during start up and normal operations. The PoPA tools can be used by energy managers, electrical and power engineers and decision makers involved in the design of hybrid power systems.

Software Engineering (SE) and Usability Engineering (UE) both provide a wide range of elaborated process models to create software solutions. Today, many companies have understood that a systematic and structured approach to usability is as important as the process of software development itself. However, theory and practice is still scarce how to incorporate UE methods into development processes. With respect to the quality of software solutions, usability needs to be an integral aspect of software development and therefore the integration of these two processes is a logical and needed step. One challenge is to identify integration points between the two disciplines that allow a close collaboration, with acceptable additional organizational and operational efforts. This paper addresses the questions of where these integration points between SE and UE exist, what kind of fundamental UE activities have to be integrated in existing SE processes, and how this integration can be accomplished.

The development of a capacitive microphone with an integrated detection circuit is described. The condenser microphone is made by micromachining of polyimide on silicon. Therefore, the structure can be realized by postprocessing on substrates containing integrated circuits (IC's), independently of the IC process, integrated microphones with excellent performances have been realized on a CMOS substrate containing dc-dc voltage converters and preamplifiers. The measured sensitivity of the integrated condenser microphone was 10 mV/Pa, and the equivalent noise level (ENL) was 27 dB(A) re. 20 μPa for a power supply voltage of 1.9 V, which was measured with no bias voltage applied to the microphone. Furthermore, a back chamber of infinite volume was used in all reported measurements and simulations

The performance of symmetric double-gate MOSFETs with dopant-segregated Schottky (DSS) source/drain (S/D) regions is investigated through a TCAD modeling study and compared to the performance of raised S/D (RSD) MOSFETs. It is shown that, while the doped extension region adjacent to the S/D Schottky barrier (SB) improves drive current by shrinking the SB, it is fundamentally limited by its dual role as a heavily doped S/D contact region to improve drive current and as a more lightly doped S/D extension region to reduce BTBT leakage. This restricts the design space for meeting low-standby-power leakage specifications, and so, the RSD structure ends up prevailing both in terms of leakage design space and ON-state performance. For highperformance (HP) design, where the higher leakage specification permits heavier extension doping, the performances of optimized DSS and RSD MOSFETs are shown to be very similar. Thus, the optimal S/D design for HP is more likely to be decided by practical considerations such as process integration.

Achieving low p-channel metal-oxidesemiconductor (PMOS) threshold voltages with metal gates and high-k dielectrics is challenging with conventional gate-first complimentary metal-oxide-semiconductor process integration. This study, for the first time, explores the tradeoffs in using different combinations of thin-strained Si 1−x Ge x channels, boron counterdopings, Si capping layers, and different metal-gate electrodes to obtain low PMOS threshold voltages with metal gate on high-k dielectrics in a gate-first integration technology. Device simulations are used to explain the experimental threshold voltage trends with varying Si 1−x Ge x thicknesses, boron counterdopings, and gate work functions.

This paper describes the research on an integrated CAD/CAE/CAM system for constructing thread-rolling die-plate geometry. The development of a thread-rolling die-plate is very time-consuming, since the trial-and-error method is the norm in the site test incurring unavoidable unproductive time. Furthermore, the die-plate geometry varies when the geometry is rectified on the shop floor and documentation is poor. An industrial example was adopted to verify the integrated CAD/CAE/CAM process and has demonstrated very encouraging results, showing the feasibility of the system towards industrial application. The system can be adopted to enhance the thread-rolling process integration for the screw production industry in Taiwan.

Objective: To report on the results of the consensus process integrating evidence from preliminary studies to develop the first version of a Comprehensive ICF Core Set and a Brief ICF Core Set for rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: A formal decision-making and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preliminary studies was followed. Preliminary studies included a Delphi exercise, a systematic review, and an empirical data collection. After training in the ICF, and based on these preliminary studies, relevant ICF categories were identified in a formal consensus process by international experts from different backgrounds.

... This led to a larger nation-wide research project that aimed at identifying the next ... The purpose of this paper is to establish a research framework for the IMERAS project. ... Second intellectual resistance, this has to do with the employees not understanding the integration within the ...

A thermal and economic comparison of two-and three-column methanol distillation schemes for the purification of crude methanol is presented. The schemes investigated include the conventional two-column scheme involving a topping column and a refining column, two different enrichment cascade three-column schemes and a double-effect three-column scheme. Three different reforming process technologies are considered for the front-end process. Heat integration methodologies are used to determine the optimum column pressure settings. The benefits of enhanced heat integration with the background process are assessed through a determination of the respective capital, operating and investment costs.

Objective: To report on the results of the consensus process integrating evidence from preliminary studies to develop the first version of the Comprehensive ICF Core Set and the Brief ICF Core Set for stroke. Methods: A formal decision-making and consensus process integrating evidence gathered from preliminary studies was followed. Preliminary studies included a Delphi exercise, a systematic review, and an empirical data collection. After training in the ICF and based on these preliminary studies relevant ICF categories were identified in a formal consensus process by international experts from different backgrounds.

Wireless sensor nodes, each a self-powered system performing sensing, communication, and computation, form reliable mesh networks coordinating efforts to add intelligence to the environment. ABSTRACT | Wireless sensor nodes are autonomous devices incorporating sensing, power, computation, and communication into one system. Applications for large scale networks of these nodes are presented in the context of their impact on the hardware design. The demand for low unit cost and multiyear lifetimes, combined with progress in CMOS and MEMS processing, are driving development of SoC solutions for sensor nodes at the cubic centimeter scale with a minimum number of offchip components. Here, the feasibility of a complete, cubic millimeter scale, single-chip sensor node is explored by examining practical limits on process integration and energetic cost of short-range RF communication. Autonomous cubic millimeter nodes appear within reach, but process complexity and substantial sacrifices in performance involved with a true single-chip solution establish a tradeoff between integration and assembly.

avvy executives recognize that a company's core organizational and operational processes are cru- cial to realizing its competitive potential. These organi- zational processes integrate the goals of the business into its employees' day-to-day activities via routines. Executives also know that a primary route to the devel- opment of such processes and practices is the study of best practice. The enterprise's

Catalytic wet air oxidation (CWAO) and solar TiO 2 photocatalysis were investigated as advanced oxidation processes to degrade trinitrophenol (TNP) in model aqueous solutions. An activated carbon (AC) treated with sulphuric acid of different concentrations (5, 10 and 18 M) at two different temperatures (353 and 423 K) was investigated as a metal-free CWAO catalyst, while a commercially available P25 TiO 2 powder was used as a photocatalyst. CWAO experiments were conducted at 448 K, 0.7 MPa oxygen pressure (4.7 MPa of total pressure), 1.3 g L −1 AC loading and 270 mg L −1 TNP concentration, while photocatalytic experiments were conducted at ambient temperature, 1 g L −1 photocatalyst loading, 500-1000 W m −2 irradiance provided by a solar simulator and 32-270 mg L −1 TNP concentration. Treatment efficiency was assessed by measuring the concentrations of TNP and nitrates, total organic carbon (TOC) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD 5 ). Up to 90% TNP degradation was attained during CWAO over 120 min, from an initial concentration of 270 mg L −1 . For the same TNP concentration, TiO 2 photocatalysis gives only 13% conversion over the same 120 min. However, for TNP concentrations below 144 mg L −1 , photocatalysis can be effectively used: 100 and 80% TNP degradation obtained in 120 min of irradiation for initial TNP concentrations of 64 and 144 mg L −1 , respectively. In this respect, CWAO and photocatalysis were employed sequentially to treat TNP; complete TNP conversion being achieved after 120 min of CWAO followed by 60 min of photocatalysis at 1000 W m −2 irradiance, and this was accompanied by 82% TOC reduction, as well as an increase of BOD 5 /TOC ratio from 0 to 2.28.

Energy use continues to rise and with it the emissions of CO 2 . Energy efficiency methods have been applied across sectors. Efficiency gains and energy use per manufactured unit have fallen, particularly in relation to the processing industry. Residential, work place, leisure, and service sectors still use large amounts of energy and produce large emissions of CO 2 despite efficiency gains. Successful strategies used in the processing industry for integrating energy systems, namely Total Site targeting, have been applied to locally integrated energy sectors. The method shows that it can be successfully applied to integrate renewables into the energy source mix and consequently reduce the carbon footprint of these locally integrated energy sectors.

This paper presents new definitions for process intensification identifying two main categories called unit intensification and plant intensification. This paper also proposes general mathematical programming formulations for the different categories of intensification through a disjunctive formulation to consider the use of existing units or to include additional units. The ideas of process integration (energy, mass and property integration) are very useful for process intensification helping in maximizing throughput for a given process, minimizing process inventory for a given throughput or in minimizing utilities and feedstock for a given throughput (this means that process intensification is broader than process integration). This paper identifies that process intensification is a wider approach than single unit intensification as it was considered by most of the previous works. A case study is presented to show the applicability of the proposed models and definitions.

Integration of information from face and voice plays a central role in our social interactions. It has been mostly studied in the context of audiovisual speech perception: integration of affective or identity information has received comparatively little scientific attention. Here, we review behavioural and neuroimaging studies of face-voice integration in the context of person perception. Clear evidence for interference between facial and vocal information has been observed during affect recognition or identity processing. Integration effects on cerebral activity are apparent both at the level of heteromodal cortical regions of convergence, particularly bilateral posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS), and at 'unimodal' levels of sensory processing. Whether the latter reflects feedback mechanisms or direct crosstalk between auditory and visual cortices is as yet unclear.

A systematic approach to optimizing water network has traditionally been utilized to exam and plan water conservation in industrial processes. In the present case study, water-pinch technology was used to analyze and optimize the water network of a steel plant near China's Zhangjiakou city. A system design was developed and a limiting constraint (Cl À concentration) was identified based on investigations of water quality then the minimum freshwater and wastewater targets were determined without considering water losses. The analysis was then extended by calculating the additional input of freshwater required to balance the actual water losses. A nearestneighbor algorithm (NNA) was used to distribute the freshwater and recycled water among each of the plant's operations. The results showed that with some reconstruction of the water network, the flow rates of freshwater and wastewater could be decreased by 57.5% and 81.9%, respectively.

In synthesizing optimal heat recovery networks, Composite Curve (CC) plots and Problem Table Algorithms (PTAs) have been the most popular tools for determining the minimum energy targets, whereas Grid Diagrams (GDs) have been widely utilized for heat exchanger network (HEN) design. However, CCs are cumbersome to construct. Additionally, PTAs offer numerical advantages but little insight into the impact of process streams on pinch points and heat recovery bottlenecks. Meanwhile, GDs are separately needed to diagnose HEN pinch rule violations. This paper introduces the Grid Diagram GDT) as an alternative tool for determining pinch points and utility targets as well as for the retrofitting of HEN. The GDT combines numerical and visualization advantages into a single diagram. The GDT, which is represented according to a stream interval temperature scale and is developed based on fundamental Composite Curve geometry, can provide vital information during the identification of the pinch points and energy targets of a process as well as enhance the intuitive visualization of pinch rule violations that are especially useful for the rapid and effective debottlenecking of an existing heat recovery system to maximize its thermal energy efficiency. This paper also demonstrates the application of the GDT in addressing a single-pinch problem, multiple-pinch problem and an industrial case study involving a palm oil refinery.

A versatile method to tune the work function Φ M of metal nitride (MN x ) metal gates by incorporating lanthanide elements for the applications in NMOS devices is demonstrated. By incorporating lanthanide elements such as terbium (Tb), erbium (Er), or ytterbium (Yb) into MN x metal gates such as TaN and HfN, the work function of these MN x can be tuned continuously down to 4.2-4.3 eV even after rapid thermal annealing up to 1000 • C, owing to the very low Φ M values of lanthanide elements. Material and electrical properties of lanthanide-MN x are investigated, and the results indicate that N concentration is an important parameter for the resistivity, work function, and thermal stability of lanthanide-MN x metal gates. Therefore, it needs to be carefully optimized in the process. In addition, transistor characteristics with Ta 0.9 Tb 0.1 N y on SiO 2 are also demonstrated, and several issues regarding the process integration of these novel materials are discussed. Index Terms-Lanthanide, metal gate electrode, metal nitride (MN x ), NMOS, work function.

As medical technology prolongs life and facilitates the early diagnosis of terminal illnesses such as AIDS, the concept of anticipatory grief requires further scrutiny. The original concept of anticipatory grief has become widely accepted. This paper, however, argues that the uncritical acceptance of this concept rests primarily on the authority of the biomedical model, which has focused analysis on the predictable symptomatology of the grief process, integrating this understanding into health care. This paper provides a critical review of the concept of anticipatory grief, highlighting conceptual shifts which are required if the concept is to be relevant to the subjective experiences of people who are confronted with life-threatening illness. The paper discusses the relevance of understanding the conceptual confusion which exists in the literature between "anticipatory grief' and "forewarning of loss". It is argued that grief may be the response to a loss of meaning, and that the psychological process of adjustment to loss requires individuals to engage in the reconstitution of purpose and meaning in their lives. Distinguishing between what is being expressed for past and present losses and what responses occur when individuals focus on various aspects of their future may shed light on some of the inconsistent and contradictory findings surrounding research on anticipatory grief.

Draws together theorizing in learning, organization and management studies in order to consider the nature of the problems by which the practice of knowledge management is animated. Though in places propositional, the points being made remain deliberately suggestive insofar as they invoke a wide-ranging past to consider what might be probable futures. The conclusion invokes a return to the past, in suggesting that the potential for knowledge management lies with its returning to a time when theorizing was grounded in what we now choose to ignore, namely managers' experiences and practices as they use their imagination in wealth-creating activity.

The purpose of this study was to identify general characteristics attributed to ethical business cultures by executives from a variety of industries. Our research identified five clusters of characteristics: Mission- and Values-Driven, Stakeholder Balance, Leadership Effectiveness, Process Integrity, and Long-term Perspective. We propose that these characteristics be used as a foundation of a comprehensive model that can be engaged to influence operational practices in creating and sustaining an ethical business culture.

This paper presents an approach to find the best modification in the coal-based sponge iron process with an aim to integrate energy in it. For this purpose, a few energy conservation cases are formulated by integrating unutilized energy present in possible areas of process flow sheet. When unutilized energy of the process is properly integrated, energy demand from outside sources can be reduced. It decreases coal consumption as coal is the only source of energy in this plant. For energy integration in sponge iron process pinch technology is applied on the actual data of plant. Based on this data, seven energy conservation cases are identified. Among these, two are selected for detailed analysis based on utility requirement. For these two cases capital investment required for energy integration, coal consumption, water requirement, energy consumption, profit, and payback period are compared. Based on these factors the best case is selected. The integrated design for the best case includes air preheating and cooling of kiln outlet using waste gas. Further, a modified case is discussed with preheating of feed to rotary kiln and air using waste gas. This case consumes 12.3% and 93.7% less energy and water, respectively, and gives 8.6% more profit in comparison to the previous case. Thus, the modified design is selected as the best option for energy integration. This design also satisfies the practical constraints of the process.

A process to obtain tocotrienols from annatto seeds was studied in a supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) system containing two 1 L extractor vessels with height (H B ) to internal diameter (D B ) ratios of 7.1 (E-1) and 2.7 (E-2). Pseudo continuous operation of the SFE system was validated by producing clove volatile oil at 40 • C and 15 MPa. To obtain tocotrienols, the system was operated in pseudo continuous mode at 40 • C, 20 MPa and CO 2 flow rate of 20.7 g/min. The extraction time, from a technical perspective, was set to 60 min, according to kinetic parameters obtained from an overall extraction curve (OEC) with processing time of 360 min. OECs were initially measured in batch mode (BM) and the kinetic parameters for the constant extraction rate (CER) period were determined to be lengths of the CER period (t CER ) equal to 43 ± 1 and 42 ± 2 min for E-1 and E-2, respectively; mass transfer rates (M CER ) of 0.22 ± 0.01 g/min for both E-1 and E-2; and total yields (R CER ) of 50 ± 1 and 49 ± 1 g of extract/100 g of extractable mass for E-1 and E-2, respectively. No differences were observed between each group of kinetic parameters (t CER ; M CER ; R CER ) obtained in BM. Following the measurement of OECs, the SFE system was operated in pseudo continuous mode for four extraction stages of 60 min each with the extractors organized in parallel. This organization improved the productivity of the process. We also proposed the integration of SFE with lowpressure solvent extraction (LPSE) using water and ethanol as solvents to remove bixin from the defatted annatto seeds. LPSE conditions were: 60 • C and solvent mass to feed mass ratio (S/F) of 8 g solvent/g annatto for ethanol and 50 • C and S/F of 8 g solvent/g annatto for water. LPSE assays were performed in an agitated bed over a 95 min time period. Using partially defatted annatto seeds as the feedstock for LPSE resulted in increased bixin extraction. LPSE with ethanol was found to increase the bixin content in the extract. Thus, the proposed process integration appears to be useful, mainly due to three aspects:

West Sumatra especially in food sector. Food processing industry in Padang, is potential industry to be developed. Product competitiveness is still lacking in small and medium food processing industry in Padang. The product distribution is still difficult, this matter need to be considered for the company through the increasing performance. The purpose of this research is to analyze the influence of supply chain management toward company performance.

Improvement and optimization of a complex chemical plant motivated by energy savings is presented in this paper. The reference object of the research is the sodium tripolyphosphate plant in ''IHP-Prahovo'', the biggest factory for producing chemical products in Serbia and Montenegro. The research is done by using a step-by-step process integration approach, which combines several computerbased simulation/optimization methodologies. The evaluation of obtained results indicates considerable possibilities for plant efficiency improvement. r

The aim of this work is to investigate the energy integration and to determine the maximum efficiency of an ethanol processor for hydrogen production and fuel cell operation. Ethanol, which can be produced from renewable feedstocks or agriculture residues, is an attractive option as feed to a fuel processor. The fuel processor investigated is based on steam reforming, followed by high-and low-temperature shift reactors and preferential oxidation, which are coupled to a polymeric fuel cell. Applying simulation techniques and using thermodynamic models the performance of the complete system has been evaluated for a variety of operating conditions and possible reforming reactions pathways. These models involve mass and energy balances, chemical equilibrium and feasible heat transfer conditions ( T min ). The main operating variables were determined for those conditions. The endothermic nature of the reformer has a significant effect on the overall system efficiency. The highest energy consumption is demanded by the reforming reactor, the evaporator and re-heater operations. To obtain an efficient integration, the heat exchanged between the reformer outgoing streams of higher thermal level (reforming and combustion gases) and the feed stream should be maximized. Another process variable that affects the process efficiency is the water-to-fuel ratio fed to the reformer. Large amounts of water involve large heat exchangers and the associated heat losses.

Propylene glycol monomethyl ether (PGME) and propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate(PGMEA) are representative photoresistor thinners used extensively and generated as waste during the display and semiconductor material manufacturing processes. Although the waste thinner is normally retrieved by distillation, the azeotropes of these two thinner components with water limit the distillation performance. In this paper, an extensive design study of enhanced distillation processes was carried out to determine a favorable path for waste thinner recovery. Appropriate thermodynamic models for the design of a waste thinner recovery process were obtained through the regression and validation of experimental vapor-liquid-liquid equilibrium data. An optimal direct sequence using three conventional distillation columns with a decanter was introduced as a base design to overcome the distillation boundary by azeotropes. Several advanced distillation configurations were examined to further improve the energy efficiency of the conventional recovery process. A novel heterogeneous azeotropic dividing-wall column was developed based on process intensification and integration. The proposed enhanced recovery process reduced the energy requirement for waste thinner recovery significantly by 33.1%. The advanced distillation configuration can be an attractive option for improving the economic and environmental efficiency of the commercial waste thinner recovery and recycling processes.

The integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) is an electrical power generation system which offers efficient generation from coal with lower effect on the environment than conventional coal power plants. However, further improvement of its efficiency and thereby lowering emissions are important tasks to achieve a more sustainable energy production. In this paper, a process simulation tool is proposed for simulation of IGCC. This tool is used to improve IGCC's efficiency and the environmental performance through an analysis of the operating conditions, together with process integration studies. Pinch analysis principles and process integration insights are then employed to make topological changes to the flowsheet to improve the energy efficiency and minimize the operation costs. Process data of the Texaco gasifier and the associated plants (coal preparation, air separation unit, gas cleaning, sulfur recovery, gas turbine, steam turbine and the heat recovery steam generator) are considered as a base case, and simulated using Aspen Plus ® . The results of parameter analysis and heat integration studies indicate that thermal efficiency of 45% can be reached, while a significant decrease in CO 2 and SO x emissions is observed. The CO 2 and SO x emission levels reached are 698 kg/MWh and 0.15 kg/MWh, respectively. Application of pinch analysis determines energy targets, and also identifies potential modifications for further improvement to overall energy efficiency. Benefits of energy integration and steam production possibilities can further be quantified. Overall benefits can be translated to minimum operation costs and atmospheric emissions.

Current fuel ethanol research and development deals with process engineering trends for improving biotechnological production of ethanol. In this work, the key role that process design plays during the development of cost-effective technologies is recognized through the analysis of major trends in process synthesis, modeling, simulation and optimization related to ethanol production. Main directions in techno-economical evaluation of fuel ethanol processes are described as well as some prospecting configurations. The most promising alternatives for compensating ethanol production costs by the generation of valuable co-products are analyzed. Opportunities for integration of fuel ethanol production processes and their implications are underlined. Main ways of process intensification through reaction-reaction, reaction-separation and separation-separation processes are analyzed in the case of bioethanol production. Some examples of energy integration during ethanol production are also highlighted. Finally, some concluding considerations on current and future research tendencies in fuel ethanol production regarding process design and integration are presented.

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to present a review of recent risk management literature applied to projects, programs and project portfolios performed inside an organization with the aim of finding areas of opportunity to continue research and the development of current guides and methodologies. Design/methodology/approach -The paper uses a review of recent literature published by international organizations and journals specializing in the field of project, programs, and portfolios. Findings -The review shows that project risk management is a well developed domain in comparison to the program risk management and portfolio risk management fields, for which specifically written methodologies are difficult to find. The review also demonstrates the need to include better tools to perform a continuous control and monitoring process. Integrating a vulnerability approach is also necessary in order to consider the project, program or portfolio characteristics which mediate between consequences and the exposure to hazards and opportunities.

Supply chain integration (SCI) among internal functions within a company, and external trading partners within a supply chain, has received increasing attention from academicians and practitioners in recent years. SCI consists of internal integration of different functions within a company and external integration with trading partners. While both supply chain internal and external integration have been studied extensively, our understanding of what influences SCI and the relationship between internal and external integration is still very limited. This paper argues that external integration with customers and suppliers is simultaneously influenced by internal integration and relationship commitment to customers and suppliers. Internal integration enables external integration because organizations must first develop internal integration capabilities through system-, data-, and process-integration, before they can engage in meaningful external integration. At the same time, before external integration can be successfully implemented, organizations must have a willingness to integrate with external supply chain partners, which is demonstrated by their relationship commitment.

Purpose -The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated approach to process integration, automation, and optimization through enhanced business process models. Design/methodology/approach -The approach is based on a framework of process integration for functional applications, automation for business workflows, and additional functionalities for process optimization. The proposed approach is illustrated using enhanced process models over business integration, automation, and optimization with data elements, structures, and organizational elements. The standard sales order process cycle, quotation approval process, and production order cycle are chosen for illustrating process integration, automation, and optimization, respectively. Findings -The proposed approach combines applications and workflows using integrated process/data models and forms a foundation for business process optimization. It is shown that the integrated approach can improve existing business processes in enterprise resource planning (ERP), beyond business process re-engineering (BPR) principles, once enhanced business process models are implemented. This approach eliminates need for a hierarchical representation of business processes and highlights the flexibility and visibility of business process implementation in ERP system environment.

The combined sugar and ethanol production process from sugar cane is a paradigmatic application for energy integration strategies because of the high number of hot and cold streams involved, the external hot utility requirement at two temperature levels for juice evaporation and crystallization, and the
electricity demand for juice extraction by milling. These conditions make it convenient to combine the sugar-cane process with a CHP system fuelled by bagasse, the main by-product from juice extraction. The strategies, tools and expertise on energy integration developed separately by the research teams authoring this paper are applied here jointly to optimize the synthesis and the design parameters of the
process and of the total site starting from the basic idea of dissociating the heat exchanger network design problem from the total site synthesis problem. At first the minimization of the external heat requirement for the process alone is pursued and results show that a one third reduction can be achieved
by optimal heat integration. Then the use of the by-product bagasse for on-site power generation is considered and two bagasse-fuelled CHP systems are optimized along with some parts of the sugar and ethanol production process in order to obtain maximum total site net power. Results show a variety of
interesting scenarios of combined sugar, ethanol and electricity production plants with considerably high electricity output.

Current fuel ethanol research and development deals with process engineering trends for improving biotechnological production of ethanol. In this work, the key role that process design plays during the development of cost-effective technologies is recognized through the analysis of major trends in process synthesis, modeling, simulation and optimization related to ethanol production. Main directions in techno-economical evaluation of fuel ethanol processes are described as well as some prospecting configurations. The most promising alternatives for compensating ethanol production costs by the generation of valuable co-products are analyzed. Opportunities for integration of fuel ethanol production processes and their implications are underlined. Main ways of process intensification through reaction-reaction, reaction-separation and separation-separation processes are analyzed in the case of bioethanol production. Some examples of energy integration during ethanol production are also highlighted. Finally, some concluding considerations on current and future research tendencies in fuel ethanol production regarding process design and integration are presented.

Hemicelluloses currently represent the largest polysaccharide fraction wasted in most cellulosic ethanol pilot and demonstration plants around the world. The reasons are based on the hemicelluloses heterogeneous polymeric nature and their low fermentability by the most common industrial microbial strains. This paper will review, in a ''from field to fuel" approach the various hemicelluloses structures present in lignocellulose, the range of pre-treatment and hydrolysis options including the enzymatic ones, and the role of different microbial strains on process integration aiming to reach a meaningful consolidated bioprocessing. The recent trends, technical barriers and perspectives of future development are highlighted.

|| Beware there could be mistakes anywhere, everywhere ||

This course presents the principles and methodology to develop an understanding of Pinch Analysis technique and acquire the skills to apply the technique for optimal heat and mass recovery for the ultimate aim of producing cost effective, clean and energy efficient designs of new and existing chemical process systems.

As the range of feedstocks, process technologies and products expand, biorefineries will become increasingly complex manufacturing systems. This book presents process modelling and integration, and whole system life cycle analysis tools for the synthesis, design, operation and sustainable development of biorefinery and chemical processes.