Integrated knowledge based system for process synthesis

Abstract The combined use of heuristics such as expert systems, databases, mathematical process simulators, equipment sizing and cost estimation is a potential way of exploring improved chemical process synthesis. We report on the development of a software that integrates knowledge based system with HYSYS process simulator and Icarus economic evaluator utilising knowledge from existing processes to obtain heuristic rules. The structure and the systematic procedure of the proposed Integrated Knowledge Based System (IKBS) have been discussed. The prototype IKBS has been applied for the selection of reactor systems for the ethylene oxide and ethylene glycol manufacturing processes. Analysis by the software suggests the use of two reactor systems and a list of suitable reactors. The list contained new and currently used reactors in addition to the recommended reactors by industrial research.