Definition, Characterization, and Modeling of Hybrid Modular-Monolithic Process Plants

Abstract

The modularization of production plants and their automation in the pharmaceutical and (bio-)chemical industry is currently gaining attention and is subject of standardization efforts. The combination of modular and monolithic (bio-)chemical plants and related engineering processes, i.e., hybrid process plants and hybrid engineering, respectively, offers advantages in production flexibility and time to operation. However, combining the different approaches is full of hurdles and unsolved issues. In this paper, hybrid process plants are defined and characterized in a process systems framework. Modeling and simulation requirements are elaborated for the engineering workflow of hybrid process plants. The contribution concludes with summarizing current research topics and pointing to a future research agenda.