AI-Enabled Process Engineering
A section of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717).
Section Information
Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing process engineering by improving efficiency, optimization and sustainability in various industries. Advanced AI techniques, including machine learning, deep learning and neural networks, enable real-time data analysis, predictive modelling and automated decision-making, reducing human intervention and improving process control. AI-driven approaches optimize reaction conditions, resource utilization and energy efficiency, minimizing waste and environmental impact. In addition, AI improves fault detection and predictive maintenance, which significantly increases operational reliability and safety. The integration of AI with digital twins and cyber–physical systems further accelerates innovation in process design, scale-up and automation. Despite the transformative potential, challenges remain, particularly in terms of data availability, the interpretability of models and integration into existing infrastructures. For all these reasons and for the impact on sustainable solutions for industrial applications, we are presenting this new section of Processes. Download Section Flyer
Topics include, but are not limited to, the following:
Advanced Process Optimization and Control
- Multi-agent reinforcement learning for plant-wide control;
- Swarm intelligence for heat exchanger network synthesis;
- Explainable AI (XAI) in complex control decision support;
- Adversarial robustness testing of ML-based controllers.
AI/ML-Driven Process Modeling and Simulation
- Reinforcement learning-guided catalyst discovery pipelines;
- Graph neural networks (GNNs) for chemical reaction pathway prediction;
- Surrogate modeling of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) using deep operators;
- ML-enabled soft sensors for real-time bioprocess monitoring.
Computer-Aided Process Intensification
- Automated microreactor configuration screening via genetic algorithms;
- ML-guided discovery of novel process intensification pathways;
- AI-powered exergy analysis for energy-efficient retrofits;
- Digital prototype testing of modular chemical plants.
Cross-Domain Applications
- Energy and sustainability;
- ML-accelerated discovery of CO₂ capture solvents;
- Digital twin-enabled smart grid integration of electrolyzers;
- AI-powered life cycle assessment (LCA) automation tools.
Materials and Manufacturing
- Generative AI for metal–organic framework (MOF) discovery;
- Digital thread implementation in additive manufacturing;
- ML-driven inverse design of polymer membranes;
- Quantum computing for battery material screening;
- AR-assisted maintenance of catalytic cracking units.
Food and Agriculture
- Computer vision systems for automated food safety inspection;
- Digital twin optimization of vertical farming LED spectra;
- ML-enabled precision fermentation monitoring;
- AI-driven formulation of plant-based meat analogs.
Editorial Board
Topical Advisory Panel
Special Issues
Following special issues within this section are currently open for submissions:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Wind Energy Resource Modelling and Forecasting (Deadline: 31 May 2026)
- Artificial Intelligence-Based Analytics for Data-Driven Decision-Making in Industrial Process Engineering (Deadline: 20 June 2026)
- Advances in Numerical Modeling and AI Optimization for Marine and Geothermal Energy Systems (Deadline: 25 June 2026)
- Artificial-Intelligence-Based Safety Detection in Nuclear Power Plants (Deadline: 20 July 2026)
- Machine-Learning-Assisted Intelligent Processing and Optimization of Complex Systems, 2nd Edition (Deadline: 30 July 2026)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Material Design (Deadline: 31 July 2026)
- Algorithm-Driven Design and Control of Complex Fluid Processing (Deadline: 31 July 2026)
- Smart Process Equipment and Machine Intelligence in Engineering Applications (Deadline: 31 July 2026)
- AI-Driven Reservoir Characterization and Predictive Simulation in Shale Plays (Deadline: 25 August 2026)
- Artificial Intelligence for Nuclear Engineering: Enhancing Smart Energy Systems (Deadline: 10 September 2026)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Intelligent Robotics for Advanced Industrial Processes (Deadline: 15 September 2026)
- Finite Element Method and Computational Techniques for Industrial Processes (Deadline: 20 September 2026)
- Machine Learning-Enabled Reservoir Dynamics Prediction and Recovery Factor Optimization (Deadline: 30 September 2026)
- Innovative Techniques for the Control of Linear and Nonlinear Systems and Processes (Deadline: 30 September 2026)
- Experimental Research and Numerical Simulations in Turbomachinery (Deadline: 30 September 2026)
- Intelligent and Sustainable Safe Coal Mining: AI-Assisted Disaster Mitigation, Carbon Sequestration, and Energy Utilization (Deadline: 30 September 2026)
- Latest Application of Artificial Intelligence in Industrial Process Modelling and Optimization (Deadline: 30 September 2026)
- AI-Driven Multi-Energy Storage and Conversion: Integrating Hydrogen into Future Power Grids (Deadline: 30 September 2026)
- AI-Driven Process Systems Engineering for Sustainable Water, Energy and Industrial Symbiosis Networks (Deadline: 30 October 2026)
- AI for Sustainable Development and Production Evaluation of Unconventional Oil & Gas Resources (Deadline: 31 October 2026)
- Power System Operation, Energy Management, and Control (Deadline: 30 November 2026)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation-Driven Innovations in Chemical Engineering (Deadline: 31 December 2026)
- Applications of Artificial Intelligence Technologies in Energy, Manufacturing and Automatic Control Processes (Deadline: 31 December 2026)