What do you do if you're a chemical engineer evaluating the feasibility of an innovative idea?

Engineers should first look at if there's a real need for the idea. For instance, in refining or LNG projects, it’s crucial to determine whether a new technology will solve a real problem or improve the process. This includes understanding the market demand and the potential benefits it could bring.

It’s important to study what's already known. By looking at existing research and past projects, engineers can build on what has been done before. This helps avoid repeating past mistakes and can lead to improvements in the design and operation of chemical processes.

Cost analysis is key in decision-making. This step should involve a detailed breakdown of all expected expenses, like those seen in FEED (Front End Engineering Design) stages of projects, to understand if the idea is financially viable.

Before bringing a new idea into real-world use, it's wise to test it through simulations. These virtual experiments allow engineers to predict how the idea will work without the cost and risk of actual physical tests. Using advanced simulation tools, like those used in process design and optimization, engineers can model reactions, processes, and operations to see how an idea performs under different conditions. This helps refine the concept, identify potential issues, and improve the design before it’s built and operated in the real world.

Assessing risks in engineering focuses on preventing overpressure incidents. HAZOP studies are key, as they rigorously analyze process designs to pinpoint risks. Pressure safety valves (PSVs) and flare systems are critical safety measures, designed to handle unexpected pressure surges safely. Engineers must ensure these components are properly sized and maintained to function reliably, thereby safeguarding the facility and the environment from potential overpressure dangers. By accounting for possible operational deviations, engineers can establish robust strategies for managing these risks.

Assess the pros and cons of the idea, that evaluate design parameters that you would need to implement and perform rigorous simulation for an optimized solution. There are a variety of process design softwares available that can assist in equipment sizing and one can perform HAZOP studies using these tools. HAZOP studies will assist in assessing all the possible risks and you can put measures in place to combat these risks and provide Layers of protection for your idea.

Conduct research thoroughly to find similar aspects related to your ideas. They should be technically and economically feasible. Potential hazards to humans and the environment should be considered. Regards Vishakha :)

For the chemical industry: Economics first (are there customers willing to pay enough) then thermodynamics (can the chemistry be done), then kinetics (can the chemistry be done in a reasonable time scale).

??As a chemical engineer evaluating the feasibility of an innovative idea, you would typically follow a structured approach to determine whether the idea is viable both technically and economically. Here are the steps you might take: 》Defining the Problem and Scope. 》Literature Review and Preliminary Research. 》Concept Development. 》Technical Feasibility Assessment. 》Economic Feasibility Analysis. 》Environmental and Regulatory Review. 》Scale-Up Considerations. 》Risk Assessment and Stakeholder Engagement. ??By following these steps, a chemical engineer can systematically evaluate the feasibility of an innovative idea, ensuring that all aspects are considered before moving forward with development or deployment.