Process Systems Engineering for Environmental Protection

Process systems engineering (PSE) integrates chemical engineering, systems engineering, intelligent engineering, control engineering, information technology, computer technology, management science, and other disciplines of theory and technology for system optimization and sustainability. With the development of artificial intelligence, 5G technology, big data, blockchain, and robots, PSE aims to save energy, protect the environment, achieve safety control, optimize operation, and strengthen the procedures of complex process production systems. From the system perspective, PSE is used for the development of multi-scale processing methods and data integration technology platforms for industrial process data, integrated modeling and system simulation technology platforms for logistics and energy flow, as well as technology platforms for state inspection and safety analysis for process integration and process-strengthening solutions.

This Special Issue focuses on the latest novel developments in process systems engineering, with regard to environmental protection and sustainable development. It focuses on advances in process design, product design, and process dynamics and control toward sustainability. Research endeavors contributing to this quest have already expanded the boundary of PSE to consider the economic, environmental, and societal aspects of processes, products, and their life cycles.