Targeting techniques for enhancing process yield

A hierarchical procedure is developed to identify maximum targets for the overall yield of the process. First, we identify the key causes for loss in overall process yield. Then, several mass integration strategies are proposed to attain maximum yield. These include rerouting of raw materials, optimization of reaction yield, rerouting of product from undesirable outlets to desirable outlets, and recycle of unreacted raw materials. Path equations are tailored to provide the appropriate level of details for modelling the process performance as a function of the optimization variables pertaining to design and operating variables. Interval analysis is used as an inclusion technique that provides rigorous bounds regardless of the process nonlinearities. The proposed procedure is systematic, rigorous, and computationally efficient. A case study is used to illustrate the applicability of the proposed procedure.