Process intensification in the chemical industry can positively influence environmental safety

Innovative approaches are being devised in industry in process and plant design. In this way raw materials and materials can be used more efficiently. That can lead to considerably smaller, cleaner and more energy-efficient technology. This so-called process intensification can also be a way of making industrial processes with hazardous substances at the front structurally safer.

The RIVM National Institute for Health and Environment looked at which of the 69 process intensification technologies developed worldwide can offer benefits to environmental safety. The chance of an accident can be reduced if the design of the installation becomes safer. In addition, the effects of an accident are reduced if there are fewer hazardous substances in the installation. Furthermore, process intensification could be used to build smaller installations close to the producer or buyer of the hazardous substances. By transporting hazardous substances less, the risks for the environment decrease. A possible disadvantage of process intensification can be that the process becomes more complicated, which can also increase risks.

CONTINUE READING ON www.rivm.nl (Automatically translated from Dutch)