ABSTRACT
A major decision point in process design is the selection of the most technically and economically feasible solution alternative. All companies set a profit goal. Most generally it is to maximize profit, i.e., maximize income above the cost of the capital which must be invested to generate the income. In addition, current governmental regulations require that processes must be safe and ecologically/environmentally sound. Others goals sometimes are used. For example:
• Minimize loss • Minimize operating cost • Minimize environmental damage • Zero emissions • Produce a product that does not cost the company money
Furthermore, companies usually have set a required rate of return on the investment. In some cases such as with required environmental control equipment, the process must be built and operated even if it does not meet the rate of return that has been set.
