Modeling and understanding different types of process design activities

Abstract:
One of the major tasks addressed by the chemical industry is the design and revamping of production processes. Increasingly powerful computer-aided tools are available to face these complex tasks. Nevertheless, most design knowledge still rests in the minds of experienced designers. It is desirable to make it part of a computer support environment. Therefore, it is necessary to have a model of the design process. This contribution addresses this objective by introducing a model, based on the identification of three types of design activities: Synthesis, Analysis and Decision. We discuss the intrinsic characteristics for each type of activity from two different view points: characteristic subactivities and products. Every type of activity consists of typical subordinate subactivities which are distinctive for the type and determine its behavior. On the other hand, activities operate on the results or products of the design process, called product data, including requirements, the representation of the design artifact itself, and arguments. These products also allow a specification of the three types. These ideas are exemplified by modeling the design of a separation system.

Keywords:
Design process modeling, modeling languages.

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