Environmentally Benign Microreaction Process Design by Accompanying (Simplified) Life Cycle Assessment

Abstract

Continuously running microreaction technology offers novel ways of process intensification, going beyond its established features such as process safety or modularity. One current concept is to operate under rough reaction conditions to speed up conversion rates. Performing microprocess technology under rigorous reaction conditions for several applications and under utilization of different techniques is currently investigated within the German research cluster called “Novel Process Windows”. Due to the improvements obtained in synthesis performance, a positive effect on environmental impacts is expected as well. But, harsh process conditions probably require added energy input and effort concerning process control and safety. The question whether the ratio of effort and benefit is less than for alternative approaches or not can be addressed by (Simplified) Life Cycle Assessment. Such analyses will be particularly helpful, if they are already integrated into the design of the process, in order to disclose the key drivers of a deliberated design of a green chemical process.