Process intensification aims to dramatically improve manufacturing processes through the application of novel process schemes and equipment. Instead of small, incremental improvements, PI will bring about step changes in energy efficiency, capital cost reductions, and decreased environmental impact. At the core of PI is the optimization of driving forces to overcome bottlenecks such as those imposed by thermodynamics.
This article provides a brief introduction to PI and discusses the progress of PI over the past two decades. As a way to show how PI will likely unfold over the next few years, the article discusses the RAPID manufacturing institute and provides an overview of the institute’s roadmap. Finally, the article outlines challenges and potential future developments.