A design and optimization framework for (bio-) chemical process based on exergo-economic and environmental aspects

Abstract Currently, chemical processes must be designed and optimized considering multicriteria objectives focused on sustainable aspects. These targets can be effectively achieved via a systematic framework, capable to guide the users to take the best decision in terms of given objectives. Thus, the present work develops and implements a framework through four main steps that use multiple computer-aided tools and methods, linked to optimal indicators such as exergy loss, total annual cost and environmental factors and scores. The implementation of the methodology used a case study consisting of the ABE separation and purification scheme, using liquid-liquid extraction and conventional distillation techniques, as well as the evaluation of five extracting agents. The framework allowed to enhance the performance of all scenarios with respect the base case.