Process integration in steelmaking experiences and challenges from the PRISMA excellence centre

Process Integration is a common name for system oriented methods and integrated approaches to complex industrial process plant design. In Process Integration, interactions in the industrial system are taken into account during process design and optimization via their material and energy flows. The use of systematic methodologies is a very effective approach to improve the energy and material efficiency of large and complex industrial facilities. In this paper an analysis of an integrated steel plant together with a new methodology to represent the resource efficiency is presented. The paper shows the importance of process integration as a methodology for the industry in their continued strive to strengthen its long-term sustainability.