Applying CBR and Object Database Techniques in Chemical Process Design

Abstract. The aim of this paper is to introduce a new method for finding and reusing process equipment design and inherently safer process configurations by case-based reasoning (CBR) and object database techniques. CBR is based on finding most alike existing solutions and applying the knowledge of their properties for solving new problems in the early phases of design. This supports design engineer's knowledge by allowing a systematic reuse of existing experience in order to improve the quality and safety of new designs. The possibilities of CBR and object database techniques in chemical process engineering field have been illustrated by two prototype applications. 1