ChEg5221— Process Integration and Optimization

Chapter 1
Introduction

Dr. Hundessa Dessalegn, AAIT, AAU

1. Systems Engineering and Process Systems
Engineering

 1.1. Systems Engineering

 What is a system?
 System is a set of interacting or interdependent
entities, real or abstract, forming an integrated
whole.
 The concept of an "integrated whole" can also be
stated in terms of a system embodying a set of
relationships which are differentiated from
relationships of the set to other elements, and
from relationships between an element of the set
and elements not a part of the relational regime.
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Systems Engineering

 DEFINITION OF SYSTEM
 A system is “an organized or complex whole; an assemblage
of things or parts interacting in a coordinated way.

 The parts need not be physical entities; they can be abstract

or conceptual entities, such as words in a language or steps
in a procedure.

 Everyday usage of the word is included with such disparate

things as river systems, planetary systems, transportation
and communication systems, nervous and circulatory
systems, production and inventory systems, ecosystems,
urban systems, social systems, economic systems, stereo
systems, philosophical systems

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Systems Engineering

Thus, a system can be just about anything.

Besides being an “assemblage of parts,” the definition of system
should include three other features:
1. Parts of the system are affected by being in the system and
are changed if they leave it; in systems, the whole is more
than the sum of the parts.
2. The assemblage of parts does something; they are dynamic
and exhibit some kind of behavior; they do something.
3. The assemblage is of particular interest. systems are
conceived by the people looking at them, which means they
exist in the eye (or mind) of the beholder.

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Systems Engineering

Elements and Subsystems

 Systems can be broken down into smaller and smaller
parts.

 These parts, in combination, form “the assemblage of

parts” that constitute a system.

 The smallest part of a system is an element.

 Systems also can be broken down into parts which are

themselves systems, called subsystems.
 A subsystem is a system that functions as a component of a larger
system. 5
Systems Engineering

What is Systems Engineering?

 Systems engineering is an interdisciplinary field of engineering that
focuses on how complex engineering projects should be designed
and managed.

 Issues such as logistics, the coordination of different teams, and

automatic control of machinery become more difficult when
dealing with large, complex projects.

 Systems engineering deals with work-processes and tools to

handle such projects, and it overlaps with both technical and
human-centered disciplines, such as control engineering and
project management.
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Systems Engineering

Three definitions of systems engineering are:

(1) An interdisciplinary approach and means to enable the realization
of successful systems.,

(2) Systems engineering is a robust approach to the design, creation,

and operation of systems.

(3) The Art and Science of creating effective systems, using whole
system, whole life principles OR The Art and Science of creating
optimal solution systems to complex issues and problems.

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Systems Engineering

 Systems engineering is holistic; i.e., rather than considering only

individual components, the whole system must be considered
together with the entities forming the system.

 The need for systems engineering arose with the increase in

complexity of systems and projects. Some examples of tools that
are used to manage complexity are:
 Modeling and Simulation,
 Optimization,
 System dynamics,
 Systems analysis,
 Statistical analysis,
 Reliability analysis, and
 Decision making
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Systems Engineering Process

 The Systems Engineering Process (SEP) is a comprehensive,

iterative and recursive problem solving process, applied
sequentially top-down by integrated teams.
 It transforms needs and requirements into a set of system
product and process descriptions, generate information for
decision makers, and provides input for the next level of
development.
 The process is applied sequentially, one level at a time, adding
additional detail and definition with each level of development.
 The process includes: inputs and outputs; requirements analysis;
functional analysis and allocation; requirements loop; synthesis;
design loop; verification; and system analysis and control.

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Systems Engineering Process

SUMMARY POINTS
 The system engineering process is the engine that drives the
balanced development of system products and processes applied
to each level of development, one level at a time.

 The process provides an increasing level of descriptive detail of

products and processes with each system engineering process
application. The output of each application is the input to the next
process application.

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1.2. Process Systems Engineering

Definitions:
1. System is a combination of a several pieces of equipment
integrated to perform a special function.

2. Systems Analysis is the investigation of an activity, procedure,

method, technique, or business to determine what must be done
and how the operation may be best accomplished. It consists of
applying mathematical techniques to the study of systems.

3. Systems engineering is the design of a complex interconnection

system of many elements to maximize an agreed-upon measure
of the system performance, taking into consideration all the
elements related in any way to the system.
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1.2. Process Systems Engineering

 Systems Engineering applied to scientific and engineering

activities regarding chemical-like processes is designated by
Process Systems Engineering.
 Systems approach consists of two steps:
 Modeling:- in which each element of the systems is described and
criteria for measuring performance are assigned;
 Optimization:- in which adjustable parameters are set in a manner
that gives the best performance of the whole system.

 Mathematical modeling makes use of computer simulation as the

main tool of investigation.
 A systemic design deals mainly with the identification of parts
(subsystems, components) and their connection, as well as with
optimal targets for parts.
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1.2. Process Systems Engineering

 PSE is today a well established scientific area, appropriately

defined as being concerned with the development of methods and
computer-based tools for an integrated approach to all aspects of
modeling, simulation, design, operation, control and management
for the process industries.

 Identifying sub/systems of process systems:

reaction/reactor, separation/separator, heat transfer and power
system, each apparatus/process or group of
apparatuses/processes, control system, safety systems, utility
systems, distribution system, management system, etc.

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