computer science

Process network synthesis

Process network synthesis is a computer science topic covered in the lgStudy science library. This page brings together a partial reference excerpt, illustrations, worked examples, real-world applications and a short study plan, so you can understand Process network synthesis rather than just read about it. In short: Process network synthesis (PNS) is a method to represent a process structure in a 'directed bipartite graph'. Process network synthesis uses the P-graph method to create a process structure.

Key takeaways

Process network synthesis belongs to computer science; place it in that map before memorising details.
Learn the definition first, then one example that makes the definition concrete.
Connect Process network synthesis to a quantity you can measure, compute or draw — that is where exam questions come from.
Reproduce the core statement of Process network synthesis from memory before moving on to harder problems.

Reference excerpt

Process network synthesis (PNS) is a method to represent a process structure in a 'directed bipartite graph'. Process network synthesis uses the P-graph method to create a process structure. The scientific aim of this method is to find optimum structures. Process network synthesis uses a bipartite graph method P-graph and employs combinatorial rules to find all feasible network solutions (maximum structure) and links raw materials to desired products related to the given problem. With a branch and bound optimisation routine and by defining the target value an optimum structure can be generated that optimises a chosen target function. Process Network Synthesis was originally developed to solve chemical process engineering processes. Target value as well as the structure can be changed depending on the field of application. Thus many more fields of application followed.

Applications At Pannon University software the tools PNS Editor and PNS Studio were programmed to generate maximum structure of processes. This software includes the p-graph method and MSG, SSG and ABB branch and bound algorithms to detect optimum structures within the maximum available process flows. PNS is used in different applications where it can be used to find optimum process structures like:

Process engineering: Chemical process designs and the Synthesis of chemical processes is applied in different case studies. Optimum energy technology networks for regional and urban energy systems: In case of regional and urban energy planning the financially most feasible solution for resource systems is selected as target value. With this setting material- and energy flows, energy demand and cost of technologies are considered and the optimum technology network can be found. Simultaneously the robustness of technologies due to price changes and limitations in resource availability can be identified. Evacuation routes in buildings: The aim is to find optimal routes to evacuate buildings depending on specific side parameters. Transportation routes: In this research area transportation routes with minimum cost and lowest environmental impact can be identified.

References

External links P-Graph wiki P-graph method

Worked examples

Example 1 — a first encounter with Process network synthesis

Start with the simplest possible case. Write down what Process network synthesis claims or describes in one sentence, then invent the smallest concrete situation in which that sentence is true. In computer science, the smallest case is usually a single object, a single equation or a single measurement. Check that every symbol or term in your sentence has a meaning in that case.

Example 2 — changing one variable

Take the situation from Example 1 and change exactly one quantity: double it, halve it, or set it to zero. Predict what should happen to Process network synthesis before you calculate. Comparing your prediction with the result is the fastest way to find out whether you understand the idea or only the words.

Example 3 — an exam-style question

Typical questions about Process network synthesis ask you to (a) state it precisely, (b) apply it to given data, and (c) explain a limitation. Practise writing all three answers in under five minutes; the third part is what separates a full-mark answer from an average one.

Applications of Process network synthesis

In research: Process network synthesis appears in computer science research whenever the underlying quantities have to be modelled precisely. Papers usually cite it as a starting assumption and then explore where it breaks down.
In technology and industry: Engineering practice reuses Process network synthesis in design rules, simulations and safety margins. Knowing the idea lets you read a specification sheet and understand why the numbers look the way they do.
In the classroom: Process network synthesis is common in secondary-school and first-year university syllabi. It links to neighbouring topics Chemical engineering, Engineering management, so understanding it makes those chapters shorter.
In everyday life: Look for Process network synthesis outside the textbook — in sport, cooking, traffic, electronics or the sky above you. An example you found yourself is remembered far longer than one you were given.

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How to study Process network synthesis in 20 minutes

Read the reference excerpt below once, without taking notes.
Close the page and write down what Process network synthesis means in your own words.
Compare your version with the excerpt and mark what you missed.
Work through the three examples above with pen and paper.
Explain Process network synthesis out loud to somebody else — or to Teacher Smith in the lgStudy chat.

Frequently asked questions

What is Process network synthesis in simple terms?

Process network synthesis (PNS) is a method to represent a process structure in a 'directed bipartite graph'. Process network synthesis uses the P-graph method to create a process structure.

Why does Process network synthesis matter?

Because it connects several computer science ideas at once: it gives you a definition you can apply, a quantity you can calculate, and a way to check whether a result is plausible.

How should I study Process network synthesis?

Read the excerpt, restate it from memory, then work through the examples and applications listed on this page. The five-step study plan above takes about twenty minutes.

What does this page cover?

It gives you a compact reference excerpt plus original lgStudy explanations, examples, applications and study material on Process network synthesis.