Cost Calculation in Chemical Plant Engineering: A Model for Assessing Competitiveness in the Development Stage

Abstract

While basic chemicals are mainly produced on an industrial scale by means of process-optimized large-scale plants, research institutes are developing biotechnological processes for the production of platform chemicals on a laboratory and pilot scale. In the context of this work, a cost calculation model for estimating the investment and operating costs of process engineering plants is presented, on the basis of which the economic competitiveness of processes currently under development can be determined. The model is usable for industrial-scale applications.