Sustainable process development employs the use of readily available materials yielding minimal to zero waste streams, as well as energy efficient methods applied from cradle to grave. Alternatively, biological systems are known to have evolved such that materials and energy are used in very effective ways, setting the bar and standard for many sustainable industrial processes; this is evident, for instance, through bio-mimicry in industrial design. Other such sustainable and biologically-inspired processes include the conversion and processing of biomaterials to fuels and chemicals. In producing these materials there are wastes which can range from spent catalysts to petroleum distillates and even cell matter. This session will feature research which explores the design, dynamics and control of sustainable processes and technologies across a wide range of chemical engineering applications, while highlighting ways to minimize wastes and increase energy and CO2 benefits of the processes.

Sustainability

Environmental Division (09), Sustainable Engineering Forum (23)