Projects / Programmes
Process systems engneering and sustainable development
January 1, 2004
- December 31, 2008
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.02.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Chemical engineering |
|
| 1.07.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Computer intensive methods and applications |
|
| 1.08.00 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Control and care of the environment |
|
| 2.03.00 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Energy engineering |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T350 |
Technological sciences |
Chemical technology and engineering |
process systems engineering, sustainable development, environmental protection, modelling, design, integration, optimization, mathematical programming, MINLP, TRIZ, kazalniki trajnostnega razvoja, supply chain, information technology, inovation, knowledge transfer
Researchers (14)
Organisations (1)
Abstract
Our research is concentrated on strengthening the scientific and technological capacities to develop new and improved production processes which will be more flexible, integrated, safe, clean and in accordance with the concept of the sustainable development in Slovenian and European area. The research work comprises different, mutually linked fields of process systems engineering. Design of specialty chemical processes with the emphasis on all the three agregate states, continuous and batch operating is performed. New technologies together with modeling, simulation, energy and mass integration and optimization are being developed. Thermodynamic and transport characteristics are being estimated. Special care is focused on reaction engineering with determination of thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of unknown chemical reactions. The purpose of this research is to ensure the quality, by designing flexible, ecological, social and economic production systems. The contents of the research is determined by the proposals of international programes covering thematic priorities of the 6th Framework Programme (CAPRI, PROSCO2, CAPEability, PREPstrem, SUSTAIN, SIPP), EUREKA (CAPE'21) and NATO (Clean Products and Processes) and it is incorporated into the European research area (ERA).
Sustainable development includes ecological, social and economic aspects with special care on efficient use of water, energy and chemicals. Sustainable development indicators, decreased nonrenewable energy resources consumption, possibilities for water consumption minimization, cleaning and reuse in different fields of industry and environmentally friendly energy systems are beeing studied. New and existing energy extensive processes are beeing optimised, meaning reduced energy, utilities, raw material consumption and greenhouse gas emissions (Kyoto protocol) and more efficient operation of existing processes. Our program follows those thematic priorities of EU concerning sustainable development (6th FP, priorities 1.1.2.i, 1.1.2.ii, 1.1.3.i, 1.1.3.iii and 1.1.6.iii).
Until today waste and emissions have been in fore front requiring high investments with high operating costs. Better approach is to prevent waste and emissions production at the source (changing process and/or product). This concept is known as integrated pollution prevention and control (IPPC). Cleaner production is being studied and advanced oxidative processes (AOP) together with membrane technologies are being used for water analysis.
In the field of knowledge transfer new methods for turning theory into practice with special emphasis on creativeness, inovativeness and efficiency are beeing developed. The developed knowledge is transferred to industry and to the educational process. Activities for faster transfer of information in undergraduate and graduate studies, lifelong learning and pedagogical reform are beeing developed. New, modern approaches of teaching and learning in the field of process systems engineering and sustainable development are beeing introduced.
To reach sustainable development the switch from evolutionary to inovative improvements has an essential meaning, the development of inovative integrated information technology (IT), is one of the most important research targets. It represents systematic, integrated methodology for innovative design, operation, retrofit, planning and control of sustainable chemical process systems.
Significance for science
With its research the group contributed to faster development of European and world research area. The results are continuously published in high quality scientific journals. With its scientific comprehension the group was very successful in enforcement in scientific sphere and maintenance of direct contact with the world leaders on our research area. Results are important for discovering new scientific findings, for improving the systematical instruments and for applicative research development. The complete programme was adjusted with the strategic and action plans of the Sixth Framework Programme, which reflected the scientific and technology priorities of the past period regarding economic and political situation in Europe. For successful response of(bio-)chemical industry to quick and large changes in last few years we focused our knowledge in encouraging its competitive position and sustainable economic growth. Innovative scientific excellence and technology relevance were the most important facts. The modern knowledge and tools have been used for developing the new products and processes in chemical and process industries in accordance with European directions. The unique integrated IT methodology for systematic management of innovation in sustainable synthesis, reconstruction and management of facilities was integrated with the development of new models, algorithms and software tools, in order to generate innovative products and processes, and to increase efficiency, effectiveness and competitiveness of process industries. The models developed allowed a systematic treatment of operability, sustainable development and life cycle in the process industry, and their involvement in an innovative problem-solving. The goal was systematic management of innovation for the sustainable development of (bio)chemical industry.
Significance for the country
Our research during the last five years aimed at providing growth of economy, employment, health standards and solutions of environmental problems. Chemical and process industries create a large part of profit of all processing industries in Slovenia, therefore the proposed programme was very important for strengthening the economic power, especially in the global marketplace under severe competition, risk and uncertainty. The key issues are the development and applications of novel technologies based on renewable resources, development of high added value products, advanced information technologies, innovations of (bio)reaction paths and processes, fast dissemination, and implementation of knowledge and new products into the manufacturing processes. The main stress would be put on the development of technologies for production of renewable resources from the industrial energy reach plants (biorefineries) in order to recover the unpleasant effects of increasing prices in the food chains. The results would be crucial for Slovenian and European chemical and process industries, as well as for the other industrial branches. The efficiencies of these industries are highly important for the future economic growth and competitiveness of European industry on a worldwide scale. The sustainable growth of living standards and quality of life for Slovenian and European residents depend strongly on the restructuring and technological breakthrough of process industries. A fraction of the proposed programme was part of some applied projects and bilateral research programmes. The group participates in European projects (The Sixth Framework Programme, EUREKA), world's projects (NATO), and in several bilateral research programmes (Northern Ireland, Croatia, Hungary, France, USA). The proposed programme is harmonized with thematic priorities of the EU on sustainable development in The Seventh Framework Programme.
Most important scientific results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Final report,
complete report on dLib.si
