Procestechnische

Procestechnische, or Procestechnik, is the field of engineering focused on the design, optimization, and operation of industrial processes that transform raw materials into products. It combines principles from thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, mass and heat transfer, reaction engineering, and separations with systems engineering and automation to create efficient and safe production systems.

Key goals of procestechnische work include safe and economical operation, consistent product quality, energy and resource efficiency, and environmentally sustainable process design. Methods used in the discipline encompass process synthesis and design, process modelling and simulation, energy integration (pinch analysis), and optimization. Process control and automation—instrumentation, distributed control systems, and advanced control strategies—are essential for maintaining stable operation. Process safety and risk assessment are integral components of the work.

Activities in procestechnische contexts cover equipment selection and plant layout, reactor design, heat exchangers, distillation and other separation units, pumps, valves, and instrumentation. The field finds application across industries such as chemical and petrochemical, oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, metals and mining, and energy production.

The typical lifecycle of a procestechnische project runs from feasibility and conceptual design to basic engineering, detailed design, construction, commissioning, and ongoing operation and maintenance. Education and training in procestechnische disciplines prepare engineers and technologists for roles in design offices, manufacturing plants, and project management, contributing to the development of efficient, safe, and sustainable production processes.