Process intensification aims to dramatically reduce the size of chemical plants while increasing their efficiency. It can be achieved by downsizing equipment, increasing efficiency through better integration of unit operations, reducing waste, and employing alternative energy sources. A example of process intensification is a multifunctional reactor, where multiple unit operations like reaction and separation take place in a single unit, leading to higher conversions and selectivities while reducing costs.

1. Process intensification in chemical plants
The University of Jordan
Faculty of Engineering & Technology
Department of Chemical Engineering
Plant Design Course
Instructor: Prof. Menwer Attrakih Presented by: Tareq Hassan
Definition and overview

2. Subjects to be covered in this presentation:
Definition of process intensification.
Objectives of process intensification.
Example of process intensification.

3. Definition of process intensification:
“a strategy for making dramatic reductions in the size of
a chemical plant so as to reach a given production
objective.”(C.Ramshaw, 1995).
In other words, Process intensification is a modern
approach that aims to shrink the size of chemical
plants, but at the same time increase their efficiency.
Process intensification started a revolution in chemical
engineering design, that could change our concept of
traditional chemical plants.

4. Downsizi
ng
equipme
nt
Increas
e
efficien
cy
Merging of
equipment
Reduce
waste
Lower
cost
alternative
energy
sources
Objectives of process intensification:
Objectives
of process
intensificati
on

5. Example of process intensification:
A very good example of process intensification
application is a Multifunctional reactor.
Multifunctional reactors are single unit equipment,
where besides reaction, other operations take place,
such as separation or heat transfer.
Although they are not new, but light has been shed on
them lately for better selectivities and higher
conversions, and for cost reduction.

6. Task-integrated methyl acetate column with comparison to the conventional plant. (Drawing courtesy of Eastman Chemical),
(A. Stankiewicz et al.,2000).
Example of process intensification:

7. References:
A. Stankiewicz, J.A. Moulijn, Process intensification:
transforming chemical engineering, Chem. Eng. Prog.
(January 2000) 22–34.

8. Thank you for listening
Any questions?