Process implementation

In the technology field of process implementation, the focus is on the development and application of techniques that allow the new, green reaction and process technologies to be used in an overall process environment, providing the necessary physical and virtual interfaces, and enabling the necessary process control and automation. In particular the application of new technologies in chemical processes requires the objective analysis and evaluation of the target parameters 'greenness' and 'efficiency' - a specialization of Fraunhofer. For this purpose, so-called green metrics tools are developed and applied, ranging from life-cycle assessment (LCA) and system analysis through to toxicity assessments and aspects of the REACh regulation.

In the subproject on process implementation, the vision of modular, autonomous plant modules will be addressed.

For this purpose, methods and technologies will be developed to enable intelligent plant modules (including those from the smart process technology subproject) to be integrated into higher-level orchestration systems via plug-and-produce and standardized interfaces, enabling them to communicate with each other and with higher-level systems, independent of the manufacturer.

The basis for the modular concepts of plant and control engineering is provided by the standards and recommendations for action according to two series of guidelines:

VDI 2776 "Modular plants" and VDI/VDE/NAMUR 2658 „Automation engineering of modular plants in the process industry"  

Furthermore, the digital process models developed in the process intelligence subproject and optimized for operational use will be integrated into future control and regulation systems. Finally, a process evaluation system (green metrics) will be implemented for the demonstrators to ensure that they address the “12 Principles of Green Chemistry”. For this purpose, life-cycle assessment, REACh assessment and (eco)toxicity prediction methods are applied.