Conceptual design another name for detailed process synthesis. It consists of the
following general steps (Douglas, 1988).
- Selection of processing mode: Batch vs. Continuous
- Determine the input‐output structure of the process
- Determine the recycle structure of the process
- Design of the separation system
- Design of heat‐exchange network (process energy recovery)
Conceptual Design uses guidelines and heuristics to create a general and
potentially untested design.
- General guidelines (short‐cut calculation methods) based on practical
experience and/or simulation studies. - Heuristics also known as “Rules of Thumb”. They exist for :
- Physical properties
- Reactions operations
- Separation operations
- Different equipment: pumps, compressors, heat exchangers, etc
- Different unit operations: vessels, towers (distillation, adsorption, etc)
- Utilities
- etc…