Increasing Efficiency of Chemico-Technological Systems and Prevention of Accidents: Approaches, Models, Portfolios

The aim of this work is to develop a beneficial methodology for improving the ecological and economic efficiency of chemico-technological systems (CTS). The problem is formulated as a control with a vector objective function that includes economic and environmental components. A practical approach to enhancing the environmental and economic efficiency of CTS is presented. Some approaches to accident prevention including the application of a problem-oriented dynamic model are introduced. Extended Ecological–Technological Portfolios have been developed. These Portfolios represent simplified visual models aiming to increase the environmental and economic efficiency of the CTS. Portfolios allow for the identification of dependencies between technological faults and ecological criteria and enable the investigation of the impact of the concrete chemico-technological process on the environment. Based on the Portfolios, decisions can be made for improving the economic–ecological efficiency of CTS and the prevention of accidents. Ecological–Technological Matrices, which provide a generalized characterization of technological breakdowns, have been developed. A strategy for adjusting technological constraints, using Matrices and vector criteria, has been proposed. Portfolios and Matrices can be applied in data preparation to solve certain artificial intelligence tasks for increasing the environmental and economic efficiency of potentially hazardous CTS. Some examples are given, presenting the industrial control of ammonia synthesis, methane conversion, and chemical absorption of CO2.