Process network synthesis for benzaldehyde production: P-graph approach

Benzaldehyde is a chemical of significant importance in a variety of industries, which is mainly manufactured from toluene. In this work, authors develop process flowsheets in terms of profit for the production of benzaldehyde from toluene via process-network synthesis by deploying an algorithmic method based on P-graphs. First, the best reaction combination for the production process in terms of profit is obtained. Second, a set of operating units that can perform the process is identified; the corresponding maximal structure is constructed with the P-graph representations of these operating units. Third, the optimal and near-optimal flowsheets in terms of profit are algorithmically identified from the maximal structure.