Recent Trends of Process Intensification in Energy Domain

Process intensification which means the enhanced efficiency of a particular process was first brought into the limelight by Ramshaw in the year 1983. Basically, process intensification consists of finding out and using novel apparatus and techniques which can bring an increase in product yield or decrease in equipment size for a given production capacity. It can also bring about the decrease in energy consumption or reduction in waste production. Process intensification can be achieved through two different paths by the development of novel equipment or methods. The novel equipment can be further classified into (those for conducting chemical reactions) static mixer reactor, spinning disk reactors, etc., and (those which do not involve chemical reactions) static mixer reactor, compact heat exchangers, etc. Microreactor technology which is a boon nowadays enables the production of miniature components for chemical and biochemical systems that involve continuous flow systems usually comprising of two or more phases. The present work aims to review a complete status of process intensification in various fields of energy in India and abroad and their applications for the betterment of science and technology.