Process Intensification Panel Discussion - AIChE Annual Meeting

AIChE Process Intensification Workshop

16 November 2016

3:15 p.m.     Introduction from the Organizing Committee

                        Rebecca Fushimi, Idaho National Laboratory

3:20 p.m.     Panel Topic: Chemical process intensification through heterogeneous catalyst development and optimization

                        Panel Speaker: Billy Bardin, DOW Chemical Company

                        Discussion Points:

-          How process intensification concept can be used from the design and development stage of heterogeneous catalysts?

-          When are disruptive technologies considered too risky to implement?

 

3:25 p.m.    Discussion

3:40 p.m.     Panel Topic: Addressing shale gas upgrading challenges through process intensification

                        Panel Speaker: Anne Gaffney, Idaho National Laboratory

                        Discussion Points:

-          Modular technologies, how can distributed systems outperform centralized production?

-          Push back on new technologies

3:45 p.m.    Discussion

4:00 p.m.     Panel Topic: Application of micro channel reactors in industrial practice

                        Panel Speaker: Anna Lee Tonkovich, Tonkomo LLC

                        Discussion Points:

-          How micro channel reactors can be used in the industries instead of traditional reactors and the challenges in adopting this technology.

-          When can micro-dimensional processes be applied to mega-scale production?

-          Can numbering-up ever replace economies of scale?

4:05 p.m.    Discussion

4:20 p.m.     Panel Topic: Process intensification through compact heat exchange reactors

                        Panel Speaker: Zhiun Jia, Comprex LLC

                        Discussion Points:

-          The application of compact heat exchange reactors in industrial scale exothermic reactions and the challenges in adopting this technology.

-          Can mass-production of modular systems outperform economies-of-scale processes?

 

4:25 p.m.    Discussion

4:40 p.m.     Panel Topic: Process Intensification through reactive separation: application in chemical industries

                        Panel Speaker: Ben Wilhite, Texas A&M University

                        Discussion Points:

-          How reactive separation (e.g., reactive distillation) techniques can be adopted in commercial-scale chemical process plants and the challenges in adopting this technology

-          Is process intensification sometimes just a trendy buzz word for good process design?

 

4:45 p.m.    Discussion

5:00 p.m.    Panel Topic: Process Intensification in polymerization industries

                        Panel Speaker: Tom Enright, Xerox Corporation

                        Discussion Points:

-          The scope of process intensification in the polymerization industries.

-          The challenges in implementing the process intensification concepts.

-          How can production flexibility or product flexibility be achieved through process intensification?

5:05 p.m.    Discussion

5:20 p.m.    Panel Conclusions and Closing Remarks

5:30 p.m.    Adjournment

Agenda - AIChE Process Intensification Workshop

Process intensification is a key trend in the chemical manufacturing industry and a rapidly expanding area of research. This year’s AIChE meeting brings together 5 sessions devoted to process intensification combing the forefront of global academic research with key industry stakeholders. These sessions will bring numerous in-depth reports of the state-of-the-art and novel concepts for heat and mass transfer integration as well as unique implementation strategies. In this plenary workshop, an invited panel representing industry, academia and government will open a dialogue for discussion with the general audience on the research needs and risk mitigation strategies that can help accelerate the adoption of process intensification innovations. The aim of the workshop is to consider a broader perspective of process intensification and examine the systemic issues that prevent successful implementation. For example, heat integration strategies find far greater adoption in industry than do multifunctional reactors and hybrid separations. When considering value and industrial adoption, the distinction must be made between incremental and disruptive technology. With the need to mitigate risk and maintain reliability, industry may rationally ignore disruptive innovations. This workshop will capitalize on the depth of knowledge exchange in the proceeding Process Intensification sessions and discuss the technical risks and uncertainties from an industrial perspective that may rule out the promise of exemplary performance. (AIChE)