Modeling the Total Cost of Ownership for Scaling-Up via Modular Chemical Process Intensification
Executive Summary
This project represents a collaboration between the RAPID Module Manufacturing Focus Area (MMFA) and the Construction Industry Institute, within the Cockrell School of Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin. The research objective is to model the total cost of ownership (TCO) for scaling up via modular chemical process intensification (MCPI) and apply this model to four RAPID projects over the remaining course of the effort. This research is important for capturing the lessons learned within module manufacturing activities ongoing within the RAPID Institute and providing a rationale for numbering up via MCPI. Further, this research will help RAPID to apply a consistent means for quantifying the costs involved in MCPI as well as helping the MMFA understand cost drivers as impediments to MCPI adoption. The work plan involves a first year in which the model is developed including literature review and interviews with companies currently engaging in MCPI to identify opportunities for case study development. The second year will involve execution of formal data collection and analysis to understand the TCO for individual MCPI implementations.
Technical Challenge
- Lack of case studies that can be used to develop the business rationale for the design and scale-up of MCPI plants.
- Lack of cost of ownership models to help companies justify the scaling of MCPI plants.
- Need to collect global learnings about module manufacturing economics within the institute.
Potential Impact
- Heightened awareness of key benefit and cost drivers in CAPEX and OPEX of MCPI plants
- Case studies providing clarity on the impact of MCPI on net present value
Resources
Methodology for understanding the economics of MCPI plants