ABSTRACT
ABST R AC T The paper presents a systematic approach to develop process synthesis knowledge that combines optimisation, semantic models (ontologies) and analytical tools. The work addresses the representation and extraction of process synthesis knowledge during the optimisation process with the purpose to simplify and interpret design results. The simplication is achieved with a gradual evolution of the design solutions and corresponding adjustments of the optimisation search. The interpretation is accomplished with the use of analytical tools to translate data into descriptive terms understood by users. Means of analysis include dynamic ontologies populated by computer experiments and continuously upgraded in the course of optimisation.
