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Prof. Dr. Elvis Ahmetović

Univerzitet u Tuzli, Tehnološki fakultet
Katedra za hemijsko inženjerstvo
Urfeta Vejzagića 8, 75000 Tuzla
Bosna i Hercegovina
00387 (0) 35 320 756
00387 (0) 35 320 741 (fax)
  elvis.ahmetovic@untz.ba 

Kratka biografija (CV)
Proširena biografija (CV)

Rangiranje istraživača
Univerziteta u Tuzli

 

Kratka biografija
Zaposlen sam kao redovni profesor za užu naučnu oblast hemijsko inženjerstvo na Tehnološkom fakultetu Univerziteta u Tuzli od 2017. godine. Na istoj instituciji diplomirao sam 1998., magistrirao 2002., a doktorirao 2005. godine. Nakon zaposlenja na Tehnološkom fakultetu Univerziteta u Tuzli u zvanju asistenta za užu naučnu oblast hemijsko inženjerstvo (1999-2004) bio sam kasnije biran na istoj instituciji  u zvanje višeg asistenta (2004-2006), docenta (2006-2011), vanrednog profesora (2011-2017) i redovnog profesora (2017). U akademskoj 2007/2008. godini i dijelom u 2009. godini bio sam prodekan za nastavu i studentska pitanja na Tehnološkom fakultetu Univerziteta u Tuzli.

U 2008/2009. godini bio sam Fulbright stipendista na Carnegie Mellon University, Department of Chemical Engineering, u Pittsburghu, PA (SAD). U 2011/2012. godini nagrađen sam od strane JoinEU SEE programa za realizaciju istraživanja na Univerzi v Mariboru, Fakulteti za kemijo in kemijsko tehnologijo (Slovenija). Također, u 2011. i 2019. godini nagrađen sam od strane DAAD programa i 2012. godine EM2-STEM programa za realizaciju istraživanja na Institute for Applied Material Flow Management (IfaS) (Germany), University of Bremen (Laboratory of Process Systems Engineering) i Lappeenranta University of Technology (Finland).
Kao gostujući profesor bio sam zaposlen 2014/2015. godine na Univerzi v Mariboru u okviru projekta "Internationalization - A Pillar of Development of the University of Maribor". Posjetio sam istu instituciju 2018. godine u sklopu projekta "Involvement of visiting foreign experts and university teachers in the pedagogical process as a pillar of quality development process of internationalization of the University of Maribor" i realizovao sam nastavne aktivnosti u hemijskom inženjerstvu na Fakulteti za kemijo in kemijsko tehnologijo. U okviru CEEPUS projekta održao sam u 2013. godini predavanja na Univerzi v Mariboru (Slovenija) i u 2019. godini na Sveučilištu u Zagrebu (Hrvatska) i Univerzitetu Sv. Kiril i Metodij (Makedonija). Učestvovao sam u Erasmus+ programu Staff mobility for teaching and training i održao sam predavanja na Lappeenranta University of Technology (Finska) u 2016 i Pamukkale University (Turska) u 2018., 2019. i 2021. godini.
Moji istraživački interesi u hemijskom inženjerstvu su povezani sa analizom, sintezom i dizajniranjem hemijskih procesa, procesnom integracijom, integracijom vode i energije, održivim razvojem, zelenim inženjerstvom, matematičkim programiranjem i optimizacijom procesa. Autor sam sedam knjiga, tri poglavlja knjiga i preko 100 radova objavljenih u časopisima i zbornicima konferencijama i predstavljenih na konferencijama održanim u Evropi, Americi i Kini. Najveći impakt faktor časopisa u kome su publicirani rezultati mojih istraživanja u saradnji sa drugim kolegama je oko 9. Naši istraživački radovi su citirani više od 1200 puta. Moj h-indeks je 17 i i10-indeks je 22 (Google scholar). U 2012. godini, dobili smo nagradu za najbolji rad na SDEWES konferenciji. Naš istraživački rad publiciran u AIChE časopisu je jedan od najviše citiranih radova od 2011. godine. U 2021. godini, dobitnik sam Federalne nagrade za nauku koja mi je dodijeljena od Vlade Federacije Bosne i Hercegovine za popularizaciju i promociju nauke i za doprinos u širenju spoznaja o nauci kroz njihovo publikovnje, prezentiranje i promoviranje na domaćem i međunarodnom planu. Također, u 2022. godini, dobitnik sam Federalne godišnje nagrade za nauku koja mi je dodijeljena od Vlade Federacije Bosne i Hercegovine  za značajno naučno dostignuće u području Tehničke nauke kroz niz naučnih radova koji čine cjelinu i doprinose proširenju postojećih naučnih spoznaja u oblasti hemijskog inženjerstva, sinteze i optimizacije toplinsko-integriranih mreža vode i integracije vode i energije u tehnološkim procesima.
Recenzent sam za 17 međunarodnih časopisa. Član sam naučnih savjetodavnih i naučnih odbora nekoliko međunarodnih konferencija kao što su European Symposium on Computer-Aided Process Engineering (ESCAPE), Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES), International Conference on Sustainable Energy & Environmental Protection (SEEP), South East European Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SEE SDEWES), Croatian Conference of Chemists and Chemical Engineers. Član sam American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) od 2009, Hrvatskog društva hemijskih inženjera od 2002. godine i član Sekcije za energiju Energy and Resources Efficiency in the Chemical and Process Industry od 2019, uvedene od strane European Federation of Chemical Engineering (EFCE). Također, bio sam član Senata Univerziteta u Tuzli od 2017-2021. godine. Učestvujem u upravnom odboru četiri Cost akcije kao član ispred Bosne i Hercegovine. Gostujući sam urednik istraživačke teme pod nazivom "Combined Water and Heat Integration in the Process Industries" za časopis Frontiers in Chemical Engineering. U decembru 2022. godine izabran sam za Dopisnog člana Akademije nauka i umjetnosti Bosne i Hercegovine (ANUBiH) u Odjeljenju tehničkih nauka.
Bio sam pozvani predavač i učesnik međunarodnih konferencija održanih u Evropi, Sjedinjenim Američkim Državama i Kini, kao i voditelj i/ili učesnik bilateralnih i međunarodnih istraživačkih projekata. Trenutno sam koordinator tri međunarodna projekta na Univerzitetu u Tuzli: CEEPUS projekat "Chemistry and Chemical Engineering", Erasmus+ INTERBA projekat "INTERnationalization at Home: Embedding Approaches and Structures to Foster Internationalization at Western BAlkans" i jedan bilateralni istraživački projektat u saradnji sam Univerzom v Mariboru, Fakultetom za kemijo in kemijsko tehnologijo ("Synthesis of evaporation systems using mathematical programming").
Klikom na sljedeće slike možete pronaći više detalja o mojim istraživačkim radovima u časopisima, zbornicima konferencija i prezentiranim na konferencijama. Također, više  informacija o rezultatima istraživanja možete pronaći na ovoj stranici, kao i  ovdje.



 


 


Strateški ciljevi
 
Moji strateški ciljevi na Univerzitetu u Tuzli su poboljšati kvalitet istraživanja i edukacije, uspostaviti saradnju sa različitim univerzitetima i istraživačkim grupama i učestvovati sa njima u različitim projektima, poboljšati naučno-istraživačku i naučno-nastavnu infrastrukturu, povećati vidljivost rezultata istraživanja i međunarodnu vidljivost Tehnološkog fakulteta, Univerziteta u Tuzli i Bosne i Hercegovine. Internacionalizacija i saradnja sa kolegama širom svijeta igraju veoma važnu ulogu u realizaciji navedenih ciljeva.


Učešće u istraživačkim i edukacijskim projekima i mobilnostima
 
Za ostvarivanje ciljeva učestvovao sam u različitim naučno-istraživačkim i edukacijskim projektima i programima, mobilnostima i treninzima. Klikom na slijedeće slike mogu se pronaći detaljnije informacije o različitim programima i organizacijama koje su finansirale i podržale moje prethodni i trenutni istraživački i nastavni rad.
 
     


Mreže za istraživanje i saradnju

 

Uspostavio sam mreže za istraživanje i saradnju sa kolegama sa različitih univerziteta iz Amerike, Slovenije, Švicarske, Austrije, Španije, Njemačke, Turske, Finske itd. Naša saradnja se bazira na učešću i saradnji u naučno-istraživačkim i edukacijskim projektima, izmjeni istraživača i studenata i pisanju naučnih radova i poglavlja knjiga. Mi smo već uspješno završili nekoliko projekata, mobilnosti i napisali mnoge radove koji su publicirani u časopisima sa visokim impakt faktorima i predstavljeni na naučnim konferencijama širom svijeta. Detaljnije informacije o nekim kolegama koji su sa kojima sam imao veoma uspješnu saradnju su date ispod a detalji o mom istraživačkom fokusu, postojećim i završenim naučno-istraživačkim projektima se mogu naći ovdje.



 

   
  Prof. Zdravko Kravanja Prof. Ignacio E. Grossmann Prof. François Maréchal    
 

   

 

Prof. Stefan Radl Prof. Mariano Martín Prof. Edwin Zondervan    

Odabrani radovi publicirani u časopisima i zbornicima radova i prezentirani na konferencijama u zadnjih 12 godina
Ahmetović, E., Ibrić, N., Nemet, A., Kravanja, Z., Grossmann, I. E. (2022). Recent Progress and Future Directions in the Synthesis of Heat-Integrated Water Networks. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 94, 625-630.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3303/CET2294104

The synthesis of Heat-Integrated Water Networks (HIWNs) has been a very active research area over the last twenty-five years. Systematic methods based on Pinch Analysis (PA), Mathematical Programming (MP) and their combinations (PA-MP) have been developed and applied to HIWN case studies with varying levels of complexity. There have also been some attempts to apply alternative optimisation tools for the synthesis of HIWNs, such as Process Graph (P-Graph). However, most recent works have applied MP primarily to solve large-scale problems, including single and multiple freshwater sources and single and multiple contaminants in water streams. The synthesis of combined Water-Using Networks (WUNs), Wastewater Treatment Networks (WTNs) and Heat Exchanger Networks (HENs) has proven to be a challenging task for researchers to find a global solution or even good local and practical solutions. In a previous work, a comprehensive review of papers in this field was given for the period from 1997 to 2015 (Ahmetovic et al., 2015). The goal of this work is to provide a review of recent progress in the synthesis of HIWNs after this period, discuss case studies solved in the literature, identify research gaps and provide suggestions that can be a driving force for future research and improvements in this field.
Nemet, A., Ibrić, N., Bogataj, M., Ahmetović, E., Kravanja, Z. (2022). Simultaneous Synthesis of Heat-Integrated Water Network with the Two-Step Approach. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 94, 1351-1356.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3303/CET2294225

Determining the optimal design of a Heat-Integrated Water Network (HIWN) is a complex task due to the existence of highly nonlinear relationships when considering concentrations, mass and heat balances. Due to that complexity, the solution is usually obtained by a sequential approach. In this approach, the minimum fresh water and utility consumption is firstly determined. Then, the exact design of the HIWN is synthesised with the fixed minimum fresh water and utility consumption. Another way to obtain the HIWN design is by using a simultaneous approach. However, such a model can be highly nonlinear requiring the application of a special solution strategy. In this work, a two-step approach was developed and applied. In the first step, a targeting Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Programming (MINLP) model with a high share of linearity was applied estimating also the HEN investment. In this way, the solutions are steered towards an optimal solution by establishing appropriate trade-offs between investment and operating costs during the targeting step. Based on the results of the first step, a reduced superstructure and MINLP model are used in the second design step to select promising matches for heat exchangers. By excluding the non-promising matches that previously led to an unnecessary increase in the complexity of the synthesis model, the second step MINLP model performs much better and enables synthesizing the entire HIWN simultaneously. The aim of this work was to verify whether the two-step approach is suitable for solving the HIWN problem. The obtained solution for case study considered in this work indicated the applicability of the proposed approach, which will be also applied in further research on large-scale HIWN problems.
Ibrić, N., Ahmetović, E., Nemet, A., Kravanja, Z., Grossmann, I. E. (2022). Synthesis of Heat-Integrated Water Networks Using a Modified Heat Exchanger Network Superstructure. Energies 15(9), 3158.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/en15093158

This work presents the synthesis of heat-integrated water networks (HIWNs) by using mathematical programming. A new superstructure is synthesised by combining a water network and a modified heat exchanger network. Based on the proposed superstructure, a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model is developed. The model is solved by using a one-step solution strategy enabling different initialisations and the generation of multiple solutions, from which the best one is chosen. The results show that the proposed model can be effectively used for solving HIWN problems of different complexities, including large-scale problems.
Ahmetović, E, Grossmann, I.E, Kravanja Z, Maréchal F., Klemeš, J., Savulescu, L., Dong H. (2022). Editorial: Combined water and heat integration in the process industries. Frontiers in Chemical Engineering, 4:1012754.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fceng.2022.1012754
Ahmetović, E., Ibrić, N., Karić, E. (2022). Circular Economy of Water in Process Industries, International Conference Circular Economy-Opportunities and Challenges, November 17-18, 2022, Tirana, Albania.
Process industries consume large quantities of freshwater and generate various wastewater streams discharged into the environment. Wastewater streams are usually sent to wastewater treatment plants to recover valuable resources (e.g., water, heat/energy, salts, chemicals, and
metals) from wastewater which can be reused for various purposes. Consequently, the consumption of natural resources taken from the environment and used in the process industries can be minimized, including also waste generated in the process industries and discharged into the environment. Accordingly, concepts and technological, sustainable, and profitable design solutions are needed to address this issue. The main focus of this paper is to highlight the importance of systematic methods in solving this very challenging and complex task and present design solutions for some illustrative case studies.
Ahmetović, E., Ibrić, N., Nemet, A., Kravanja, Z., Grossmann, I. E. (2022). Importance of Water and Energy Integration in Circular Economy Approach. The 5th International Conference on Technologies & Business Models for Circular Economy, September 12-14, 2022, Portorož, Slovenia. Plenary Lecture.
Global water and energy consumption in various sectors (domestic, agricultural and industrial) will increase in the future due to population and economic growth. Accordingly, there is an urgent need to develop combined water and energy efficient solutions to address this issue in all sectors in line with the circular economy
principles. Recent works provided definitions, strategies, and challenges for the circular economy of water (Morseletto et al., 2022), a circular economy framework for resources and waste management in the water and wastewater sector (Smol et al., 2020), and a mathematical approach for the synthesis of a wastewater treatment plant using the concept of circular economy (Ho et al., 2022). Water and energy are important resources used in large quantities in the process industries for various purposes (e.g., washing, cooling, and heating). Their consumption should be minimised in manufacturing processes to reduce operating costs and provide profitable and sustainable solutions. Wastewater generated by these processes should not be considered as waste because it is a valuable resource for freshwater, energy, and materials. Reusing, regenerating, and recycling wastewater can provide economic and environmental benefits such as reducing freshwater and energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and recovering valuable materials from wastewater. To achieve these goals, systematic approaches for water and energy integration should be applied to design optimal water and energy network solutions. In the last several decades, pinch analysis, mathematical programming and hybrid approaches have been successfully applied to design combined water and energy networks with optimal water and energy consumption (Ahmetović et al., 2015, Budak Duhbacı et al., 2021). The main focus of this work is to show the importance of water and energy integration and applications of systematic methods in a circular economy approach for optimising water and energy reuse in manufacturing processes and highlight possible future directions in this research field.

Nemet, A., Ibrić, N., Ahmetović, E., Kravanja, Z. (2021). Heat-Integrated Water Networks Synthesis with Improved Trade-offs between operating and investment costs by TransHEN model. The 24th Conference on Process Integration for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction - PRES'21, October 31 - November 3, 2021, Brno, Czech Republic, Hybrid-Confererence (Face2Face + On-line).
Achieving an optimal design of heat-integrated water network (HIWN) is a complex task due to highly nonlinear relationships when considering concentration and heat balances. Therefore, the solution is usually obtained by a sequential approach. In this approach, the minimum fresh water and utility consumption is achieved first, and then the exact design of HIWN is synthesised with the fixed minimum fresh water and utility consumption. This sequential approach can also have intermediate steps as demonstrated in the literature. The previous method is an excellent approach, when the studied case has low investments compared to operating costs. However, if the investments have a significant impact on the trade-off between investments and operating costs, the presented approach may lead to poor local solutions. In this study a TransHEN model (Nemet et al., 2019) is incorporated into the second step of the sequential approach for HIWN synthesis (Ibrić et al, 2016). Through this incorporation, the investment for heat exchanger network (HEN) is considered via a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) model to select promising matches for heat exchangers. In this way the solutions are directed towards a more optimal solution by allowing appropriate trade-offs between investment and operating costs. Moreover, by excluding the non-promising matches that previously led to an unnecessary increase in the complexity of the MINLP model, the MINLP model preforms much better. The improved optimal solutions are obtained by the proposed approach used in this study.

Ibrić, N., Ahmetović, E., Kravanja, Z., Grossmann, I. E. (2021). Synthesis of heat-integrated water networks: Case study sensitivity analysis. The 24th Conference on Process Integration for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction - PRES'21, October 31 - November 3, 2021, Brno, Czech Republic, Hybrid-Confererence (Face2Face + On-line).
This work addresses the synthesis of heat-integrated water networks (HIWNs) by using a superstructure optimisation approach. A recently developed mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model and an iterative solution strategy are applied in this work to a case study of HIWN. The objective function of the MINLP model is to minimise the network total annualised cost (TAC) comprising operating and investment costs. As there are trade-offs between operating and investment costs, good solutions can be obtained if the TAC is minimised by simultaneously exploring all water and heat integration opportunities within the network. A case study sensitivity analysis is performed analysing the impact of freshwater and utility costs, as well as investment costs, on the network design and key performance indicators. This work also demonstrates the importance of the targeting step of the proposed solution strategy for selecting promising matches used in the design step of the HIWN by the MINLP model.
 

Ahmetović, E., Kravanja, Z., Ibrić, N., Grossmann, I. E., Savulescu, L. E. (2021). State of the art methods for combined water and energy systems optimisation in Kraft pulp mills. Optimization and Engineering.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11081-021-09612-4
This paper presents a state-of-the-art overview of water and energy optimisation methods with applications to Kraft pulp mills. The main conclusions are highlighted, and several research gaps are identified and proposed for future research. Kraft processes have the potential to be adapted to biorefineries for producing biofuels and other high-value products from wood biomass. Biorefineries enable opportunities to increase the revenue of the process, reduce fossil fuels usage and greenhouse gas emissions. However, to ensure an effective Kraft process transformation, the existing mill infrastructure needs to be consolidated. In this sense, the water system, the heat exchanger network and the utility system should all be optimised together. A series of systematic methods (process integration-conceptual and mathematical programming) have been identified in the literature, along with the results of several case studies that reduce water and energy consumption in Kraft processes. Initial studies in this field considered and solved separate water and energy integration problems, but recent works have been focused on the development of methods for combined water and energy integration and their application to various processes. Typical savings lead to freshwater consumption decreases between 20 and 80% and energy consumption reductions between 15 and 40%.

Ibrić, N., Ahmetović, E., Kravanja, Z., Grossmann, I. E. (2021). Simultaneous optimisation of large-scale problems of heat-integrated water networks. Energy.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2021.121354.
This work presents a simultaneous mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) optimization model and an efficient iterative solution strategy that can be successfully applied to various heat-integrated water networks (HIWNs), including large-scale problems with a large number of water streams. These problems are highly nonlinear, non-convex and combinatorial. To circumvent such difficulties, including network complexity as well as identifying the roles of water streams in the heat exchanger network (HEN) whether they are hot or cold, a modified convex hull formulation proposed by Ahmetović and Kravanja [1] is applied. The overall model combines the water network (WN), wastewater treatment network (WTN), heat integration (HI), and heat exchanger network synthesis (HENS) models. This model is iteratively solved in three steps including targeting and design steps. The proposed model and solution strategy are tested on large-scale problems. To the best of our knowledge, the results obtained for all the problems in this paper are better than those reported in the current literature.

Ibrić, N., Ahmetović, E., Kravanja, Z. (2021). Simultaneous optimisation of heat and power integration of evaporation-crystallisation systems: A case study of distiller waste from Solvay process. Optimization and Engineering.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11081-021-09641-z
This paper addresses the synthesis of combined evaporation-crystallisation systems for the recovery of valuable materials from waste in line with sustainable development and circular economy concepts. The primary focus of this work is the utilisation of distiller waste from the Solvay process, which comprises sodium chloride (NaCl), calcium chloride ( CaCl2) and water (H2O). The superstructure optimisation of a heat and power integrated evaporation-crystallisation system is performed by solving the proposed Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Programming (MINLP) model. The superstructure extends our recent research to include the partial crystallisation of NaCl and the production of concentrated CaCl2 solution. To address the considered case study, a thermodynamic model for multi-component electrolytic systems is developed. A three-step solution strategy is proposed to circumvent a problem with added nonlinearities and to solve the overall MINLP model. The optimal design of a heat-integrated evaporation-crystallisation system with mechanical vapour compression is presented and the main conclusions are highlighted.

Ibrić, N., Ahmetović, E., Kravanja, Z. (2020). Optimisation of evaporation-crystallisation system for the recovery of sodium chloride from the Solvay process waste stream. The 3rd International Conference on Technologies & Business Models for Circular Economy (TBMCE), December 15th 2020, Maribor, Slovenia.
Sodium chloride can be recovered from distiller waste stream (NaCl-CaCl2-H2O) in Solvay process by partial evaporation of water and the remaining concentrated calcium chloride solution can be sold on market or further processed. This work presents the mathematical programming approach for the optimisation of evaporation-crystallisation system for the recovery of NaCl from distiller waste stream. The superstructure proposed includes options for the concentration of waste stream up to saturation point and crystallisation of NaCl with the heat and power integration options enabling energy recovery. A mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model is proposed with the objective function to minimise total annualised cost. The optimal design is presented and includes mechanical vapour recompression system with the feed stream preheating options. Main conclusions and further research directions are highlighted.

Ahmetović, E., Ibrić, N., Kravanja, Z., Ignacio E. Grossmann (2020). A Mathematical Programming Approach for Water and Energy Optimisation: A Case Study of a Kraft Pulp Mill. The 4th Sustainable Process Integration Laboratory Scientific Conference - Energy, Water, Emission & Waste in Industry and Cities, November 18-20, 2020, SPIL2020.0226.
Water and energy optimisation in the Kraft pulp and paper mills is very important from the economic and environmental aspects. The interactions between water and energy consumption in these processes should be systematically explored to minimise the overall consumption of utilities. Many previous studies were focused on solving separate optimisation of water and energy integration, and separate design of water and heat exchanger networks. However, recent studies applied different approaches for combined water and energy integration, and the design of a combined water and heat exchanger network. This work will present a mathematical programming approach applied for the optimisation of combined water and energy integration, and the design of a combined water and heat exchanger network in a Kraft pulp mill. The base case of this process will be presented and solutions obtained by applying a mathematical programming approach based on superstructure optimisation. A comparison of solutions will be performed from the various aspects e.g. freshwater and utility consumption, operating and investment cost, and network complexity. On the basis of presented solutions and their comparison, the main conclusions will be highlighted.
Video presentation of this work is available on my YouTube channel.


ESCAPE30

Varela, C., Mostafa, M., Ahmetović, E., Zondervan, Z. (2020). Agile operation of renewable methanol synthesis under fluctuating power inputs. In S. Pierucci, F. Manenti, G. L. Bozzano & D. Manca (Eds.), Computer Aided Chemical Engineering, 48, 1381-1386, Elsevier.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-823377-1.50231-7
 
The fluctuating production of renewable energy constraints the operation of Power-to-X processes such that steady-state conditions are unattainable without energy storage. It seems eminent to establish operation strategies considering significant disturbances along the process and to determine those scenarios where the operation becomes unfeasible. In this work, an industrial methanol Lurgi-type reactor, embedded in a Power-to-Jet process (Figure 1), is evaluated under fluctuating feed conditions. The simulated scenarios consist of step functions up to 20 % (w/w) increments in the feed flowrate as consequence of the fluctuating power input on the electrolysis stage. A one-dimensional dynamic model for a multi-tubular fixed bed reactor is implemented, considering both the gas and catalyst phase. The mathematical model is solved numerically using orthogonal collocation at the spatial domain and backward differences at the time domain. The system shows rapid response to disturbances, reaching steady state conditions in 1.5 minutes. Furthermore, it is evidenced that the feasible region to increase the production of methanol is narrowed down by rises of carbon dioxide feed flowrate up to 5 % (w/w).
This paper is presented at the 30th European Symposium on Computer Aided Process Engineering (ESCAPE30), Milano, Italy, August 30-September 2, 2020.

 


ESCAPE30

Mostafa, M., Varela, C., Ahmetović, E., Zondervan, Z. (2020). Efficient Amine-based Carbon Capture in a Power-to-Jet process under varying Renewable Electricity supply. In S. Pierucci, F. Manenti, G. L. Bozzano & D. Manca (Eds.), Computer Aided Chemical Engineering, 48, 319-324, Elsevier.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-823377-1.50054-9
To comply with the outcomes of the Climate Change Conference in Paris (COP 21), the ever-growing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has to be drastically reduced. With the soaring growth rates of GHG emissions in the aviation sector, the need for a near zero-net greenhouse emission alternative is essential. The novel concept of the Power-to-Jet pathway directly utilizes renewable electricity, carbon dioxide and water to synthesize a sustainable kerosene fuel that chemically resembles the one produced from fossil sources, having 'Drop-in' capability allowing the use and distribution within existing architectures. In the Power-to-Jet process, hydrogen is produced via water electrolysis. Captured CO2 (from rich point sources) then reacts with hydrogen to produce the intermediate methanol, before being upgraded to the final synthetic jet fuel along with by-products (Schmidt et al., 2012). With fluctuating electricity inputs due to the variability in photovoltaic and wind power generation, the process units within the Power-to-Jet process have to be adjusted at each time-instant to satisfy the production constraints. To find the best operating strategy for these fluctuating conditions, dynamic models are needed. In this work, we will propose a model that describes the dynamic behaviour of the carbon capture section in the Power-to-Jet process. Several dynamic scenarios can be introduced for the carbon capture rate by altering the lean solvent concentration, flue gas flow rates and re-boiler duty. The dynamic information obtained from the simulations (such as: Open loop gain, time constants and dead time) can be used to device an appropriate control scheme under varying electricity inputs, while satisfying all operational constraints.
This paper is presented at the 30th European Symposium on Computer Aided Process Engineering (ESCAPE30), Milano, Italy, August 30-September 2, 2020.

 

 

ESCAPE30

Nemet, A., Walmsley, T. G., Ahmetović, E., Kravanja, Z. (2020). Process synthesis and simultaneous heat and electricity integration to reduce consumption of primary energy sources. In S. Pierucci, F. Manenti, G. L. Bozzano & D. Manca (Eds.), Computer Aided Chemical Engineering, 48, 901-906, Elsevier.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-823377-1.50151-8
A synthesis of an industrial utility system considering cogeneration options together with heat exchanger network synthesis has been developed. It consists of boilers at different temperature and pressure levels, steam turbines, condensers, cooling tower, deaerator and a heat exchanger network system, connecting the utility system with the process heat and electricity requirements. A mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model was used for synthesis. A sensitivity analysis has been performed considering the price ratio of natural gas to electricity, while also estimating primary energy consumption and GHG emissions. The results indicate that the cogeneration is economically viable at different ratios of natural gas and electricity price. In addition, the sensitivity analysis shows the relationship between cogeneration and electricity purchase for obtaining the minimal primary energy consumption and consequently to reduce GHG emissions.
This paper is presented at the 30th European Symposium on Computer Aided Process Engineering (ESCAPE30), Milano, Italy, August 30-September 2, 2020.

Ahmetović, E., Ibrić, N., Kravanja, Z., Grossmann, I. E. (2020). A review of recent developments of water and energy optimisation methods applied to pulp and paper mills. The 4th South East European Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SEE SDEWES), June 28 - July 2, 2020, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This review presents recent developments of water and energy optimisation methods applied to Kraft pulp and paper mills. The Kraft process has the potential to be adapted to biorefineries for producing biofuels and other high-value products from wood biomass. It increases the revenue of the process, reduces fossil fuels usage and greenhouse gas emissions. The results of several case studies of the Kraft process are presented to show typical savings in terms of reduction of water and energy consumption by applying systematic methods described in this review. In these case studies, freshwater consumption is decreased by between 20% and 81% and energy consumption between 15% and 40%. Recent studies show that research fields related to water and energy optimisation in pulp and paper mills and Kraft process-based biorefineries have attracted attention from researchers in the last several decades and will continue to be the subject of further research. KEYWORDS Water and energy, systematic methods, pulp and paper mill, Kraft process, biorefinery.
Video presentation of this work is available on my YouTube channel.

Ibrić, N., Ahmetović, E., Kravanja, Z. (2020). Synthesis of Evaporation Systems for Utilisation of Waste Streams: A Case Study of Distiller Waste. The 4th South East European Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SEE SDEWES), June 28 - July 2, 2020, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This paper addresses the synthesis of evaporation systems for concentrating waste streams and obtaining valuable materials from waste in line with sustainable development and circular economy concepts. The main focus of work is on the utilisation of water solution of salts known as distiller waste in the Solvay process. Distiller waste is mainly composed of sodium chloride (NaCl), calcium chloride (CaCl2) and water (H2O). Sodium chloride can be separated from distiller waste after partial evaporation of water and recycled as a raw material in the process. The remaining concentrated water solution of calcium chloride can be sold on the market or further processed to produce calcium chloride hydrates and flakes. This work is focused on exploring heat-integrated evaporation system alternatives for utilisation of distiller waste to produce a concentrated water solution of calcium chloride. Also, an extended concept of our recently developed superstructure and model is presented to include the fractional crystallisation of sodium chloride. To address the considered case study, a thermodynamic model for multicomponent electrolytic systems including distiller waste is developed as well as a three-step solution strategy to circumvent a problem with additional nonlinearities introduced by thermodynamic model and to solve the overall MINLP model. The optimal design of heat-integrated evaporator system with mechanical vapour compression is presented and the main conclusions are highlighted.

Ahmetović, E., Ibrić, N., Kravanja, Z., Grossmann, I. E., Maréchal, F., Čuček, L., Kermani, M. (2018). Simultaneous optimisation and heat integration of evaporation systems including mechanical vapour recompression and background process. Energy, 158, 1160-1191.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2018.06.046

This paper proposes a general superstructure and a Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Programming (MINLP) model for the synthesis and simultaneous optimisation and Heat Integration (HI) of Single- and Multiple-Effect Evaporation (SEE/MEE) systems including Mechanical Vapour Recompression (MVR) and the background process. The proposed superstructure also includes different flow patterns (forward feed, backward feed, parallel feed and mixed feed), Flashing of Condensates (FCs), single- and multi-stage MVR systems and various HI opportunities for preheating of feed stream (e.g. with condensates, bled vapours, and hot streams from the background process). The newly proposed SEE/MEE-FC-MVR superstructure is combined with a Heat Exchanger Network (HEN) superstructure for performing simultaneous optimisation and HI. On the basis of this combined superstructure, an MINLP model with tight bounds on the variables is developed and implemented for its solution in the General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS). The model is solved using a two-step solution strategy. The proposed model enables to explore simultaneously all interconnections within the proposed superstructure in order to find the configuration with the optimal trade-offs between capital and energy costs as demonstrated in this paper for different cases of a milk concentration process

Ibrić, N., Ahmetović, E., Kravanja, Z., Maréchal, F., & Kermani, M. (2017). Simultaneous synthesis of non-isothermal water networks integrated with process streams. Energy, 141, 2587-2612.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2017.07.018
This paper is an extension of our previous study [1] and addresses simultaneous synthesis of non-isothermal water networks heat-integrated with hot and cold process streams. Hence, the scope of heat integration is expanded by enabling heat integration of process streams such as waste gas streams and reactor feed and effluent streams simultaneously with the water network's hot and cold streams. A recently proposed superstructure [2] for the synthesis of non-isothermal water networks is extended in order to enable additional heat integration options with process streams. The model and solution strategy are modified in order to enable achieving the solution of the problem within the reasonable computational time. Pseudo heat exchanger cost was introduced in order to find heat exchange matches. They are used as constraints within the mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model that simultaneously addresses the synthesis problem. The objective function of the proposed model accounts for operating costs, including fresh water, utilities and treatment operating cost, and investment costs of heat exchangers and treatment units. The results indicate that by solving a unified network, rather than stand-alone non-isothermal water network and separate process heat exchange network, additional savings in utilities consumption and total annualised cost can be achieved.

Ibrić, N., Ahmetović, E., Kravanja, Z., Maréchal, F., & Kermani, M. (2017). Synthesis of single and interplant non-isothermal water networks. Journal of Environmental Management, 203, 1095-1117.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2017.05.001

This paper addresses the synthesis problem of non-isothermal water networks using a mathematical programming approach. A heat-integrated water network superstructure and its corresponding mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model is proposed for the synthesis of individual as well as interplant water networks. A new feature of the proposed model includes piping installation cost within the objective function minimising the total annual cost of the network. This introduces additional trade-offs between operating and investment costs that can impact a final network design. Three examples were solved in order to demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed model and solution approach. The results show that additional saving in total annual cost can be achieved by enabling direct water integration between plants. Improved solutions were obtained compared to those reported in the literature considering freshwater and utilities consumption as well as total annual cost.




Ahmetović, E., Suljkanović, M., Kravanja, Z., Maréchal, F., Ibrić, N., Kermani, M., Bogataj, M., & Čuček, L. (2017). Simultaneous Optimisation of Multiple-Effect Evaporation Systems and Heat Exchanger Network. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 61, 1399-1404.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3303/CET1761231
In recent work, a general superstructure and a Non-Linear Programming (NLP) model were presented for Multiple-Effect Evaporation Systems (MEESs). This NLP model was combined with a Heat Exchanger Network (HEN) model in order to simultaneously perform optimisation and heat integration of the overall system. The results of a forward-feed evaporation system integrated with hot and cold streams of the evaporation system as well as with the background process were presented. In this paper, the superstructure is extended by including multi-stage flash vessels for improving energy efficiency within the overall system. Additionally, various flow-patterns of heat-integrated MEES are studied. Also, trade-offs between energy and investment costs of heat-integrated MEES are explored for different numbers of evaporation effects in order to determine the optimum number of effects. The proposed Mixed-Integer Non-Linear Programming (MINLP) model of the combined MEES-HEN networks is implemented in a General Algebraic Modelling System (GAMS) and solved simultaneously using a two-step solution strategy. In the first step of the strategy, the NLP model of MEES is solved, providing an initialisation point for solving the MINLP model of the combined MEES-HEN network within the second step. A case study of a milk concentration process is used to illustrate the method. The results show that the forward feed flow-pattern with three evaporation effects is totally integrated with hot and cold process streams from the background process, and the system exhibits the minimum Total Annualised Cost (TAC).

This paper is presented at the 20th Conference on Process Integration, Modelling and Optimisation for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction (PRES'17). August 21-24, 2017, Tianjin, China.

Ibrić, N., Ahmetović, E., Z. Kravanja (2016). Mathematical programming synthesis of non-isothermal water networks by using a compact/reduced superstructure and an MINLP model. Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy: 1-35.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10098-016-1152-9
The synthesis problems of non-isothermal water networks, combining heat exchanger network and water network (WN), usually consist of a significant number of constraints and variables, namely, flow rates, contaminant concentrations, temperatures and a large number of non-linear terms. In most cases, solving medium and large-scale synthesis problems is computationally too expensive and challenging. In order to circumvent that problem, we propose a compact superstructure and mixed-integer non-linear programming model for the simultaneous synthesis of non-isothermal WNs. The proposed superstructure includes heat integration stages enabling direct and indirect heat exchanges with a manageable number of hot and cold streams. This reduces the models size enabling easier solutions of the synthesis problems using local solvers. In addition, a superstructure reduction strategy is proposed making the superstructure flexible and adaptable for different types of problems, namely, pinched and threshold, and providing additional reduction of connections within the proposed superstructure. The proposed model is solved using a two-step solution strategy including initialisation and design steps. The model is applied to the examples of different complexities including single and multiple contaminant problems, and water-using and wastewater treatment units. Using the proposed iterative strategy, the improved locally optimal solutions are identified for most examples, minimising the total annual cost of the overall network.

Ahmetović, E., Suljkanović, M., Kravanja, Z., Maréchal, F., Ibrić, N., Mustafić, N., Kermani, M., Bogataj, M. (2016). Analysis, Synthesis and Optimization of Multiple-Effect Evaporation Systems using Mathematical Programming. AIChE 2016 Annual meeting, November 13-18, 2016, San Francisco, California, United States.
Evaporation processes are used within the process industries in order to produce concentrated products by evaporating part of water from different feeds-diluted water solutions. Concentrated products can represent final products (fruit and vegetable juices) or intermediate products in cases that crystallized (salt, sugar) or dried (milk powder) final products should be produced. Large amounts of steam and cooling water are consumed in these processes. In order to reduce energy and water consumption within evaporation processes different systems can be applied, namely, multiple-effect evaporation, vapor recompression (thermal and mechanical) or their combinations. Additionally, these processes can be integrated with other process subsystems in order to achieve improved energy and water integration. To address these issues different computer-aided tools have been proposed. However, most studies have focused on analysis and simulation of evaporation processes. Some of the initial studies [1, 2] considered the synthesis of evaporation processes in order to develop tools for computing the minimum utility use for a multiple-effect evaporation system, which was heat-integrated with process hot and cold streams. These studies were based on a modified grand composite curve and heat-path diagram. Also, the focus of the recent works have been on multiple-effect evaporation systems [3] and their energy integration with the background processes in order to minimize the energy consumption within the overall system [4]. These studies have motivated us to further expand research in this direction, by applying mathematical programming approach for the analysis of existing and the design of new evaporation systems as well as their heat integration with other process subsystems or process streams. The main goal of this paper is to develop models based on mathematical programming that can be applied for the analysis, synthesis and optimization of multiple-effect evaporation systems. The proposed models will be developed in General Algebraic Modeling System (GAMS). The developed models will enable examination of different scenarios of multiple-effect evaporation in order to address the analysis of existing, retrofit and/or design new evaporation process. Within the proposed framework, a network consisting of a multiple-effect evaporation system and heat exchanger network will be investigated in order to achieve the improved heat integration within the overall system. Two strategies will be considered to achieve this task, namely, sequential and simultaneous. The developed models will be tested on several examples, and also applied to different feed streams. New results are expected to be obtained within this field.




ESCAPE-26

Mujkić, Z., Ibrić, N., Bogataj, M., Kravanja, Z., Ahmetović, E. (2016). Optimisation of heat exchanger networks involving isothermal and non-isothermal mixing by global and local solvers. In Z. Kravanja & M. Bogataj (Eds.), Computer Aided Chemical Engineering, 38, 2289-2294, Elsevier.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-63428-3.50386-6
The synthesis of heat exchanger networks (HENs) has been an active research field over the last four decades (Klemeš and Kravanja, 2013). Systematic methods based on pinch analysis, mathematical programming or their combinations have been successfully applied within this research field in order to reduce utility consumption and achieve sustainability within chemical processes. The HEN synthesis problems including isothermal (Yee and Grossmann, 1990) and non-isothermal (Björk and Westerlund, 2002) mixing are formulated as Mixed-Integer Non-Linear Programming (MINLP) models. These problems are NP hard problems (Furman and Sahinidis, 2001), and combinatorial complexity, model size, number of non-convexities and hence, computational burden, increase dramatically by the number of hot and cold streams and stages. On the other hand, the computational speeds of computers and optimisation algorithms have been improved over the last two decades by several (6-7) orders of magnitude, which enable the solving of larger problems than those solved in past as well as solving smaller problems closer to global optima. This paper firstly presents an overview of the literature and problems of different complexities in order to show that over the recent period the medium and larger HEN synthesis problems have been successfully solved with local optimisation solvers, and that the obtained results are closer to their global optima. Also, a role of our research was to explore the possibilities of some currently available global and local optimisation solvers for solving the HEN synthesis problems of different complexities including isothermal and non-isothermal mixing. The obtained results of this work are in good agreements with the literature results, and in some cases the improved solutions have been identified.

This paper is presented at the 26th European Symposium on Computer-Aided Process Engineering (ESCAPE 26), Portorož, Slovenia, June 12-15, 2016.
 

Ahmetović, E., Ibrić, N., Kravanja, Z., & Grossmann, I. E. (2015). Water and energy integration: A comprehensive literature review of non-isothermal water network synthesis. Computers & Chemical Engineering, 82, 144-171.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compchemeng.2015.06.011
Synthesis of non-isothermal water networks consisting of water-usage, wastewater treatment, and heat exchanger networks has been recognised as an active research field in process systems engineering. However, only brief overviews of this important field have so far been provided within the literature. This work presents a systematic and comprehensive review of papers published over the last two decades and highlights possible future directions within this field. This review can be useful for researchers and engineers interested in water and energy integration within process water networks using systematic methods based on pinch analysis, mathematical programming, and their combination. We believe that this research field will continue to be active in the near future due to the importance of simultaneous optimisation of process, water and energy integration for achieving profitability and sustainability within process industries.
This paper is the first comprehensive review paper in the synthesis of non-isothermal water networks.

Ahmetović, E., Kravanja, Z., Maréchal, F., Ibrić, N., Kermani, M. (2015). Applications of Pinch Analysis and Mathematical Programming Methods for Synthesizing Non-Isothermal Water Networks. AIChE 2015 Annual meeting, November 8-13, 2015, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.

Processes industries consume large amounts of natural resources and generate substantial amounts of waste/emissions within the environment. Consequently, the important issues and challenges within the process industries are the rational usages of raw materials, water and energy, pollution prevention, minimization of waste generation, and achieving the profitability and sustainability of industrial processes [1, 2]. In order to successfully address these challenges systematic methods [3], and computer-aided tools can be applied during the syntheses and operations of industrial processes. Over recent decades there have been an increasing number of applications regarding systematic methods based on pinch analysis and mathematical programming in order to minimize water/energy usage and wastewater generation within the manufacturing sector. In early studies these methods were only applied for heat or water integration. However, over recent years water and heat integration within process water networks have been performed simultaneously [4]. This paper presents recent advancements and applications of pinch analysis and mathematical programming methods for the synthesizing of non-isothermal water networks through illustrative case studies. Case studies of non-isothermal water networks reported in the literature are of different complexities, including a network of water-using units, a network of wastewater treatment units, an integrated network of process water-using and wastewater treatment units, single and multiple contaminants, pinched and threshold problems, etc. [5]. Those problems have been solved using different synthesis concepts, tools and solution strategies. The main goal of this paper is to present and discuss the current state of the art of pinch analysis and mathematical programming methods for solving the synthesis problems of non-isothermal water networks of different complexities, and highlighting the challenges and possible further directions within this field.

Ahmetović, E., Ibrić, N., Kravanja, Z., Grossmann, I. E. (2015). Recent developments in synthesis of non-isothermal water networks. The 10th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES), September 27- October 2, 2015, Dubrovnik, Croatia. SDEWES2015-0731.

Profitable and sustainable solutions within chemical process industries can be achieved by minimising freshwater usage, utility consumption, and wastewater generation within processes. This research problem, also known as synthesis of non-isothermal water networks, has received significant attention throughout academia and industry over the last two decades. This paper presents recent research progress and developments in this field, and provides a synthetic and comprehensive overview of contributions including peer-reviewed journal and conference papers in which pinch analysis, mathematical programming or their combinations are used for solving the synthesis problem of non-isothermal water networks. In addition, an analysis and statistics of the published papers is presented, and possible future directions within this field are highlighted.

Ahmetović, E., Ibrić, N., Kravanja, Z. (2014). Optimal design for heat-integrated water-using and wastewater treatment networks. Applied Energy, 135, 791-808.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2014.04.063
This work proposes a novel general superstructure and a simultaneous optimisation model for the designing of a heat-integrated water-using and wastewater treatment network (HIWTN) by combining a water-using network (WN), a wastewater treatment network (WTN), and a heat exchanger network (HEN). The proposed work is an extension of our previous studies that considered only heat-integrated water networks (HIWNs) or combined WN and HEN without WTN. The new proposed superstructure of this work combines water integration (water-usage, wastewater treatment, and recycling) and heat integration (direct and indirect heat exchanges) within an overall network. The simultaneous optimisation model of the proposed superstructure is formulated as a non-convex mixed integer non-linear programming (MINLP) problem for minimising the total annual network cost (TAC). This model enables appropriate trade-offs between freshwater usage, hot and cold utilities consumption, and capital cost of heat exchangers (HEs) and wastewater treatment units (TUs). Three literature examples are used to test the proposed model. The improved results of the first two examples are given whilst for the third modified example a novel network design is presented in order to include wastewater treatment.

Ibrić, N., Ahmetović, E., Kravanja, Z., (2014). Simultaneous optimization of water and energy within integrated water networks. Applied Thermal Engineering, 70 (2), 1097-1122.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2014.03.019
This contribution presents the synthesis of heat-integrated water-using and wastewater treatment networks (HIWTNs). The superstructure proposed includes process water-using units, wastewater treatment (regeneration) units, and heat exchangers (HEs) as well as all the new opportunities for water and heat integration within the overall network. A two-step solution strategy is proposed for the subsequent solving of two nonlinear models and the identifying of a set of good locally optimal solutions. The targeting model is solved during the first synthesis step thus minimising the operating cost of the network and providing an initialisation, as well as good upper-bounds for freshwater and utilities consumption for the second model. The objective of the second synthesis step is to synthesise HIWTNs simultaneously by minimising total annual cost (TAC). This research was an extension of our previous works and a follow-up on our recent studies, where we addressed the synthesis problems of HIWTNs but now using a different superstructure (e.g. multiple choices mixing and the splitting of streams allowing for additional heat integration within the overall network) and a more efficient solution strategy from the point of generating of multiple solutions. We solved two literature and two newly introduced examples in order to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed strategy. Improvements in the results were achieved using the studied literature examples of HIWTNs.

Ahmetović, E., Kravanja, Z. (2014). Simultaneous optimization of heat-integrated water networks involving process-to-process streams for heat integration. Applied Thermal Engineering, 62 (1), 302-317.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2013.06.010
This paper presents an extension of our recent work, in which we addressed the simultaneous synthesis of heat-integrated water networks. The novelty and goal of this work is the development of an extended superstructure and simultaneous optimization model of heat-integrated water networks now involving process-to-process streams, and other streams within the overall network, for heat integration. Those heat-integration opportunities have not yet been fully taken into account in most existing models of heat-integrated water networks. In this study, we presented two strategies for heat integration of process-to-process streams. The first one includes the placement of heat exchangers on each hot and cold process-to-process stream. The second allows for the cooling and splitting of hot streams, and heating and splitting of cold streams. This extended model was formulated as a non-convex mixed-integer non-linear programming (MINLP) problem. The objective was to minimize the total annual network cost. Two examples with single and multiple contaminants are used in order to demonstrate that involving process-to-process streams for heat integration, novel and improved solutions can be obtained compared to those reported in the literature.

Ibrić, N., Ahmetović, E., Kravanja, Z. (2014). Two-Step Mathematical Programming Synthesis of Pinched and Threshold Heat-Integrated Water Networks. Journal of Cleaner Production. 77, 116-139.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.01.004

This contribution describes a novel simultaneous mathematical programming model for the synthesis of pinched and threshold heat-integrated water networks (HIWNs). A two-step solution strategy is proposed consisting of a subsequent solution using two models. Firstly, the nonlinear programming (NLP) targeting model is solved by assuming a given value for the heat recovery approach temperature (HRAT), with the objective of minimising the operating cost of the network. This model provides a good initialisation point and rigorous bounds (freshwater and utilities consumption) for the mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model solved during the second synthesis step. The solution procedure is repeated for a range of HRAT values providing different initialisations and constraints identifying a set of good locally-optimal solutions. In this study we considered and presented solutions for three types of HIWN problems, namely, pinched in which both utilities are required, threshold in which a hot utility is required, and threshold requiring a cold utility. The obtained results indicate that the proposed mathematical programming model and the solution strategy can be successfully applied to the synthesis of pinched and threshold HIWNs.


ESCAPE-24

Ibrić, N., Ahmetović, E., Kravanja, Z. (2014). Synthesis of Water, Wastewater Treatment, and Heat-Exchanger Networks. In J. J. Klemeš, P. S. Varbanov & P. Y. Liew (Eds.), Computer Aided Chemical Engineering, 33, 2014, 1843-1848.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-63455-9.50142-2
This contribution describes a general methodology for the synthesis of water networks of different complexities, ranging from simple water networks up to combined water, wastewater treatment and heat exchanger networks. The overall network model is formulated as a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem. The methodology is illustrated and implemented on a case study. In the first step we present a base case of water network design without water reuse and determine freshwater consumption. Then an optimal water network design with the minimum freshwater usage and wastewater generation is synthesized. In the next step, an integrated water-using and wastewater treatment network is synthesized. Finally, the water and wastewater networks are combined with the heat exchanger network (HEN), and solved simultaneously. The obtained results show that the methodology can be used both for the synthesis of isothermal and non-isothermal water and wastewater networks.

This work is presented at the 24th European Symposium on Computer Aided Process Engineering (ESCAPE 24), June 15-18, 2014, Budapest, Hungary.




Pintarič, N., Kravanja, Z., Ibrić, N., Ahmetović, E., Grossmann, I. E. (2014). Designing Optimal Water Networks for the Appropriate Economic Criteria. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 39, 1021-1026.
DOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.3303/CET1439171
The syntheses of water network systems are usually performed by minimizing the total annual cost. In this contribution, Mixed Integer Nonlinear Programming (MINLP) syntheses of water networks are performed by using various economic objectives, in order to investigate their effects on the str uctural, environmental, and economic characteristics of optimal water networks. Batch-semicontinuous and isothermal continuous water networks were analyzed during this study. Significant differences between optimal networks were obtained when using different economic objectives. Minimization of freshwater costs produced highly integrated designs with high level s of water reuse, regeneration reuse or recycling, but low profitability. In contrast, maximization of the internal rate of return resulted in highly profitable designs with low investment and a low level of water integration. Either minimization of the total annual cost, maximization of the net present value, or maximization of the annual profit produced designs with intermediate or high levels of integration between water using operations, and modest profitability. These criteria produced compromise solutions with proper trade-offs between the profitabilities and sustainabilities of water network designs.

This work is presented as a Keynote lecture at the 17th Conference on Process Integration, Modelling and Optimisation for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction (PRES), August 23-27, 2014, Prague, Czech Republic.



Ahmetović, E., Kravanja, Z. (2013). Simultaneous synthesis of process water and heat exchanger networks. Energy, 57, 236-250.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2013.02.061
This paper presents a novel superstructure and optimization model for the simultaneous synthesis of process water and heat exchanger networks. This superstructure combines the water network and heat exchanger network using interconnecting hot and cold streams. The water network has been extended for both direct and indirect heat exchanges. In addition, opportunities for heat integration between hot and cold streams, splitting and mixing of the freshwater and wastewater streams are incorporated within the superstructure. The proposed model is formulated as a non-convex MINLP (mixed-integer non-linear program), where the objective is to minimize the total annual costs of the network. A new convex hull formulation is presented for identifying the streams' roles within the network. Three examples involving single and multiple contaminant problems are presented in order to illustrate the applicability and capabilities of the proposed superstructure and model. In all cases the resultant networks exhibit lower total annual costs, whilst the freshwater and utilities consumption are the same as reported in the literature. In addition, novel designs for heat-integrated process water networks with smaller or same number of heat exchangers are presented.

This paper is presented at the 7th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES), July 1-6, 2012, Ohrid, Macedonia. SDWS2012.0378, 1-14.
We got the
Best Paper Award at this conference.




Ibrić N., Ahmetović E., Kravanja Z. (2013). A two-step solution strategy for the synthesis of pinched and threshold heat-integrated process water networks. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 35, 43-48.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3303/CET1335007
This contribution describes a new two-step solution strategy for the synthesis of heat-integrated process water networks (HIPWNs). The proposed strategy involves the solutions of two models. The first, nonlinear programming (NLP) model consists of a water network (WN) model and a simultaneous optimisation and heat integration model. The objective function in model minimises the consumption of freshwater, heating and cooling utilities. The second, a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model combines the WN model from the first step using a heat exchanger network (HEN) synthesis (Yee et al., 1990) model for minimising the total annual cost (TAC) of the overall combined network. According to the proposed strategy, the first targeting NLP is solved during the first step in order to provide good initialisation for the second step, as well as to determine upper bounds for water and utility consumption, assuming a given value for the heat recovery approach temperature (HRAT). Optimal overall network structures are then obtained during the second synthesis step by solving the MINLP model, now having all the temperature driving forces in HEN as optimisation variables. The two-step procedure is repeated for a range of HRAT values. A set of good locally-optimal solutions is thus identified and the best one with minimum TAC is chosen from amongst them. The solutions obtained indicate that the proposed strategy can be successfully applied to the synthesis of HIPWNs. The results of the threshold case-studies are similar to those found in the literature. However, better solutions were achieved in pinched cases because the proposed synthesis model enables the obtaining of appropriate trade-offs between freshwater, utility consumption and investment.

This work is presented at the 16th Conference on Process Integration, Modelling and Optimisation for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction (PRES), September 29-October 2, 2013, Rhodes, Greece.

Suljkanović, M., Jotanović, M., Ahmetović, E., Tadić, G., Ibrić, N. (2013). Formalized methodology for the separation of three component electrolytic systems. Partial separation of the system, Chemical Industry, 67, 4, 569-583.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2298/HEMIND120808099S
This work presents a formalized methodology for salt's separation from three component electrolytic systems. The methodology is based on the multi-variant modelling block of a generalized crystallization process, with options for simulating the boundary conditions of feasible equilibrium processes and the elements of crystallization techniques. The following techniques are considered: cooling crystallization, adiabatic evaporative-cooling crystallization, salt-out crystallization, isothermal crystallization, and a combination of the mentioned techniques. The multi-variant options of the crystallization module are based on different variable sets with assigned values for solving mathematical models of generalized crystallization processes. The first level of the methodology begins with the determination of salt crystallization paths from a hypothetical electrolytic AX-BX-H2O system, following by an examination of salt-cooling crystallization possibilities. The second level determines feasible processes by the communication of a feed-system with the environment through a stream of evaporated water, or introduced water with introduced crystallized BX salt. The third level determines the value intervals of the variables for feasible processes. The methodological logic and possibilities for the created process simulator are demonstrated on examples of sodium sulphate separation from the NaCl-Na2SO4-H2O system, using different salt concentrations within the feed system.

Ahmetović, E., Kravanja, Z., Ibrić, N. (2013). Application of Simultaneous Optimization Model for the Synthesis of Pinch Heat-Integrated Water Networks. The 8th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES), September 22-27, 2013, Dubrovnik, Croatia. SDEWES2013.0853, 1-12.

This contribution presents the application of a simultaneous optimization model for the synthesis of pinched heat-integrated water networks. The vast majority of literature case- studies have focused on threshold heat-integrated water network problems where either the external hot or cold utility is required for the overall network operation. However, heat- integrated water networks can be pinched, which requires both hot and cold external utilities. Our recently developed superstructure and simultaneous optimization model, so far applied only to threshold problems, has successfully addressed the synthesis of pinched heat- integrated water networks, as shown in this study. In addition, this work proposes an extension of the recent superstructure and model in order to allow for both freshwater and wastewater heating and cooling, thus introducing additional heat integration opportunities within the overall network. This extended model and its original do not rely on the assumption of a fixed heat recovery approach temperature, as all the temperature-driving forces are now considered as optimization variables. In this work, a multi-contaminant pinched problem is studied in order to clearly show that the proposed models allow for significant reductions in energy consumption as well as investment costs for heat exchangers, when compared to existing models. Appropriate trade-offs between utility consumption, water usage, and investment can be obtained as the heat integration in this work is performed simultaneously. In addition, the resulting overall networks are simpler and exhibit reduced total annual cost.
This work is presented as a Keynote lecture at the 8th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES), September 22-27, 2013, Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Ahmetović, E., Kravanja, Z. (2012). Effects of the Different Stages of Superstructure Development on the Efficiencies and Designs of Heat-Integrated Process-Water Networks. The AIChE 2012 Annual meeting, October 28-November 2, 2012, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.
In a recent paper by Ahmetović and Kravanja (2012), a novel superstructure and mixed-integer non-linear programming (MINLP) model was proposed for the simultaneous synthesis of process-water and heat exchanger networks. This superstructure combines the water network (WN) given by Ahmetović and Grossmann (2011) and the heat exchanger network (HEN) introduced by Yee et al. (1990). It includes both direct and indirect heat exchanges (isothermal and non-isothermal heat transfers) between hot and cold streams, as well as some additional opportunities for the splitting and mixing of freshwater and wastewater streams. This model's objective is to minimize the total annual costs of the overall network. This contribution describes and discusses the usage of the simultaneous optimization model proposed by Ahmetović and Kravanja (2012) for studying its effects, during different stages of superstructure development, on the efficiencies and designs of heat-integrated process-water networks. We first present a base case-study of a water network synthesis problem and reports its freshwater and utilities' consumption. Then, different designs of heat-integrated process-water networks are synthesized and compared from the viewpoint of freshwater and utility consumption, total amount of indirect heat exchanged, and the total eat exchanger area, as well as the total annual cost. In addition, the complexities of the resulting different network designs are also discussed. Using the above-mentioned synthesis methodology, some novel water-network designs have been reproduced for certain literature case-studies with minimum total annual cost significantly better than that reported in the literature. We used different GAMS (2012) MINLP solvers (i.e. BARON, SBB, DICOPT) for model-solving during various stages of the superstructure's development. It is worth pointing out that only small-size MINLP problems regarding heat-integrated water-networks could be solved with global optimality. In other cases we used local solvers SBB and DICOPT to solve problems over reasonable computational times, and compared the obtained results. The results clearly indicated that, after allowing for additional degrees of freedom for heat transfer, and water-splitting and mixing within the network, better network designs with reduced total annual cost resulted, in comparison with those reported results in the literature.




Ahmetović, E., Kravanja, Z. (2012). Solution Strategies for the Synthesis of Heat-Integrated Process Water Networks. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 29, 1015-1020.
DOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.3303/CET1229170
This contribution describes the use of sequential and simultaneous strategies for the synthesis of heat- integrated process water networks (HIPWNs). The former strategy consists of the water network (WN) model by Ahmetović and Grossmann (2011), which determines the minimum freshwater consumption and the stage-wise model by Yee et al. (1990) for the synthesis of a heat exchanger network (HEN), both of which are performed sequentially. In the recently introduced approach by Ahmetović and Kravanja (2012) both networks are solved simultaneously by applying a combined (WN-HEN) model. This combined model is formulated as a non-convex mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem with the objective function defined as the total annual cost (TAC). As, on the one hand, the combined model in this simultaneous approach enables the obtaining of appropriate trade-offs between freshwater, utilities, and investment, it is, on the other hand, very difficult to solve, due to its non-convex and nonlinear nature. The synthesis of HIPWNs thus still remains a big challenge. The development of efficient solution strategies is necessary in order to accomplish this task. In this paper, syntheses of HIPWNs are carried out using the above-mentioned strategies. It is worth pointing out, that in the simultaneous approach the problem can be solved directly as one system or the WN solved first to provide a good initial point followed by the overall heat-integrated process water network (HIPWN) problem after. The proposed strategies were tested on a literature Case-Study. The solutions were obtained with the minimum consumption of freshwater and utilities, and TAC was significantly improved, when compared to those reported in the literature. The solutions obtained clearly indicate that the proposed strategies can be successfully applied for the synthesis of HIPWNs.

This work is presented as a
Keynote lecture at the 15th Conference on Process Integration, Modelling and Optimisation for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction, August 25-29, 2012, Prague, Czech Republic.

Ahmetović, E., Grossmann, I. E. (2011). Global superstructure optimization for the design of integrated process water networks. AIChE Journal, 57 (2), 434-457.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.12276

We propose a general superstructure and a model for the global optimization for integrated process water networks. The superstructure consists of multiple sources of water, water‐using processes, wastewater treatment, and pre_treatment operations. Unique features are that all feasible interconnections are considered between them and multiple sources of water can be used. The proposed model is formulated as a nonlinear programing (NLP) and as a mixed integer nonlinear programing (MINLP) problem for the case when 0-1 variables are included for the cost of piping and to establish optimal trade-offs between cost and network complexity. To effectively solve the NLP and MINLP models to global optimality we propose tight bounds on the variables, which are expressed as general equations. We also incorporate the cut proposed by Karuppiah and Grossmann to significantly improve the strength of the lower bound for the global optimum. The proposed model is tested on several examples.

Martin M., Ahmetović, E., Grossmann, I. E. (2011). Optimization of Water Consumption in Second Generation Bioethanol Plants. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 50 (7), 3705-3721.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1021/ie101175p

In this work we address the water consumption optimization of second generation bioethanol production plants from lignocellulosic switchgrass when using thermo-chemical, thermo-biochemical, or biochemical routes considering corn-based ethanol as a reference. To optimize the water consumption a three stage method is used. First, energy consumption is optimized in the production processes, which reduces the cooling needs of the processes and thus, the water losses by evaporation and drift in the cooling tower. Next, a number of technologies are considered to partially substitute the use of water as cooling agent. Finally, the optimal water networks for each of the ethanol production processes are designed by determining water consumption, reuse, and recycle and the required treatment using a superstructure optimization approach. The resulting water consumption ratios range from 1.5 to 3 gal/gal, which are in the range or even below the amount of water needed for gasoline production and with low or no water discharge depending on the process. Further reduction can be obtained by using air cooling and if the water released from the crop can be properly recovered and treated. Under these conditions the water consumption ratios range from 0.4 to 1.7 gal/gal and with no or low water discharge.

Ahmetović, E., Martin, M., Grossmann, I. E. (2010). Optimization of energy and water consumption in corn-based ethanol plants. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 49 (17), 7972-7982.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1021/ie1000955

In this paper we study the simultaneous energy and water consumption in the conceptual design of corn-based ethanol plants. A major goal is to reduce the freshwater consumption and wastewater discharge. We consider the corn-based ethanol plant reported in Karuppiah, et al. AICHE J. 2008, 54, 1499−1525. We review the major alternatives in the optimization of energy consumption and its impact in water consumption. Next, for each of the alternatives we synthesize an integrated process water network. This requires closing the loops for process and cooling water and steam, and implementing the proper treatment for the water streams. We show that minimizing energy consumption leads to process water networks with minimum water consumption. As a result, freshwater use is reduced to 1.54 galwater/galethanol, revealing that it is potentially possible to achieve levels of freshwater consumption that are significantly lower than the ones in current industrial operation and that wastewater discharged can also be reduced.


ESCAPE-24

Ahmetović, E., Grossmann, I. E. (2010). Strategies for the global optimization of integrated process water networks. In S. Pierucci & G. B. Ferraris (Eds.), Computer-Aided Chemical Engineering, 28, 901-906, Elsevier.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/S1570-7946(10)28151-8 
In this paper, we propose special strategies for obtaining the global or near global optimum solution from a general superstructure proposed recently by the authors for the design of integrated process water networks. The proposed model of the integrated water network is formulated as a Nonlinear Programming (NLP) and as a Mixed Integer Nonlinear Programming (MINLP) problem for the case when 0-1 variables are included to model the cost of piping and/or selection of technologies for treatment. The MINLP model can be used to find optimal network designs with different number of streams in the piping network. The proposed strategies rely on bounds on the variables that are derived as general equations obtained by physical inspection and using logic specifications needed for solving the model. The cut proposed in [1] and some variations of it are also used to significantly improve the strength of the lower bound for the global optimum. It is shown that the proposed strategies can effectively solve large-scale problems, and in most cases, to global optimality. Furthermore, the proposed strategies allow to readily obtain networks of varying degrees of complexity by limiting the number of piping connections

This work is presented at the European Symposium on Computer Aided Process Engineering (ESCAPE-20), June 6-9 , 2010, Ischia, Naples, Italy.


Citiranje mojih radova/istraživačkih rezultata širom svijeta
 


Radno iskustvo, edukacija, istraživanje, mobilnosti, treninzi, predavanja

2022

Re-Training within the Erasmus+ Project INTERBA at the University of Tuzla
Hybrid Re-Training Workshop, the INTERBA Laboratory - Computer Center, 2nd floor, Faculty of Technology, University of Tuzla, Urfeta Vejzagića 8, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Zoom application.

2022

CONNECT2022
Neum, Bosnia and Herzegovina, August 28-September 3, 2022 ▪ Invited lecture: Tips for writing project proposals ▪ Mentoring a group of students from different universities on topic "How to write project proposals".
2022
Mobility within the Erasmus+ K2 project entitled "INTERnationalization at Home: Embedding Approaches and Structures to Foster Internationalization at Western Balkans/INTERBA"
University of Cagliari, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Via Universita, 40, 09124 Cagliari CA, Italy
University of Palermo, Piazza Marina, 61, 90133 Palermo PA, Italy BB Hotel Quattro Canti Palermo, Via Vittorio Emanuele, 291, 90133 Palermo
University of Tirana, Faculty of Economy, Rruga "ArbenBroci" Tirana 1000, Albanija
▪ Work meetings of management team of the Erasmus+ K2 project INTERBA and realization of project activities ▪ Delivered the first pilot training in which the SCATE (S-Scope, C-Content, A-Activity, T-Think, E-Extra) pedagogical model developed by Middlesex University (United Kingdom) is applied to the preparation of the course entitled "Combined Water and Energy Integration in the Process Industries". The powerpoint presentation of the delivered pilot course for training is available here.
2021
CONNECT2021
Neum, Bosnia and Herzegovina, August 9-13, 2021 ▪ Invited lecture: How to write the best project proposal and get funds ▪ Mentoring a group of students from different universities on topic "How to write project proposals".
Video presentation of the invited lecture is available on my YouTube channel.
2021
Mobility within bilateral project of scientific and technological cooperation between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Republic of Slovenia
University of Maribor, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Smetanova 17, 20000 Maribor, Slovenia ▪ Mobility within the bilateral research project entitled "Synthesis of Evaporation Systems using Mathematical programming". Attending work meetings and dissemination of research results.
2021
Erasmus+ staff mobility for teaching
Pamukkale University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Çamlaraltı Mahallesi, Üniversite Cd. No:11, 20160 Pamukkale/Denizli, Turkey ▪ Teaching activities (lectures) on the topic Energy Efficiency of Chemical Processes; Attending work meetings; Presentation of the University of Tuzla
2020
CONNECT2020
Neum, Bosnia and Herzegovina, August 22-29, 2020 ▪ Invited lecture: Writing project proposals ▪ Mentoring a group of students from different universities on topic "How to write project proposals".
Video presentation of the invited lecture is available on my YouTube channel.
2020
COST Action: CA18224 - Green Chemical Engineering Network towards upscaling sustainable processes
Santiago de Compostela, Spain ▪ Participation and active discussion in WG meetings. Presentation of research work entitled: Synthesis, Optimisation and Integration of Sustainable Process Systems
2019
Erasmus+ Contact Seminar with the Western Balkans
Tirana International Hotel, Albania ▪ Participation at Erasmus+ contact seminar, trainings and workshops, and presentation of the University of Tuzla.
2019
Mobility within bilateral project between Slovenia and Bosna and Herzegovina
University of Maribor, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Smetanova 17, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia. ▪ Mobility within the bilateral research project entitled "Synthesis of Evaporation Systems using Mathematical programming". Attending work meetings and dissemination of research results. Host research contact: Prof. Zdravko Kravanja.
2019
COST Action: CA18224 - Green Chemical Engineering Network towards upscaling sustainable processes
COST Association, 149 Avenue Louise, 15th Floor, Brussels, Belgium ▪ Participation and active discussion at the first Management Committee meeting.
2019
Mobility within the DAAD Scholarship Program, Research Stays for University Academics and Scientists
University of Bremen, Process Systems Engineering, Leobener Str. 6, 28359 Bremen, Germany ▪ Research related to Process systems engineering, energy efficiency and sustainable development. Host contact: Prof. dr. ir. Edwin Zondervan, Chair Laboratory of Process Systems Engineering.
2019
Mobility within the Erasmus+ programme
University of Granada, Complejo Administrativo Triunfo, Avda. Del Hospicio s/n, 18071 Granada. ▪ Participation at the 15th Staff Training Week organized by the University of Granada within the framework of the Erasmus+ programme and exchange of mutual experience and best practice procedures. Host contact: Mercedes Lopez Roldan, Director of the International Office.
2019
Teaching mobility within the CEEPUS project
University Sts. Cyril and Methodius, Faculty of Technology and Metalurgy, Skopje, Chemical Engineering and Technology, Ruger Boskovic 16, 1000 Skopje ▪ Realisation of the activities within the CEEPUS project "CIII-SI-0708-06-1819 - Chemistry and Chemical Engineering"; Guest lecture entitled Synthesis, Optimisation and Heat Integration of Evaporation Systems; Work meetings with host local CEEPUS coordinator and Vice Dean for science and international collaboration. Host CEEPUS contact: Prof. dr. Vesna Rafajlovska.
2019
Training within Train+ (Training and Research for Academic Newcomers) project
University of Sarajevo, Center for Interdisciplinary Studies, Zmaja od Bosne 8, 71000 Sarajevo. ▪ Participation in training within Train+ (Training and Research for Academic Newcomers) project. Module: Research Methodology, Scientific Writing and Result Presentation.
2019
Teaching mobility and short excursion within the CEEPUS project
University of Zagreb, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Marulićev trg 19, Zagreb, Croatia. ▪ Realisation of the activities within the CEEPUS project "CIII-SI-0708-06-1819 - Chemistry and Chemical Engineering". Guest lecture related to Synthesis of evaporation systems using mathematical programming; Organizing short mobility excursion for ten undergraduate students and supervision of students' seminar works presented at host institution. Host CEEPUS contact: Prof. dr. Zvjezdana Findrik Blažević.
2019
Work meetings Scientific & Technological Cooperation between Austria and Bosnia Herzegovina
Project: Modeling and Simulation of Biorefinery Concepts in the Context of Water and Heat Integration Graz University of Technology, Institute of Process and Particle Engineering, Inffeldgasse 13/III, 8010 Graz, Austria ▪ Overview/Review of previous research projects; Attending work meetings and participation in discussions. Host contact: Prof. dr. Stefan Radl.
2019
Erasmus+ staff mobility for teaching and participation at the 9th International Week Programme
Pamukkale University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Çamlaraltı Mahallesi, Üniversite Cd. No:11, 20160 Pamukkale/Denizli, Turkey ▪ Teaching activities (lectures) on the topic Simulation, optimisation and heat integration of single and multiple-effect evaporation plants; Attending the 9th International week programme and participation in discussions; Presentation of the University of Tuzla.
2019
Erasmus+ staff mobility for training and participation at the 2nd Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility Week "Internationalizing Higher Education Institutions beyond the European borders"
University of Valéncia, Av. de Blasco Ibáñez, 13, 46010 Valéncia, Spain ▪ Attending the 2nd Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility Week; Training activities related to Internationalizing Higher Education Institutions beyond the European borders; Presentation of the University of Tuzla and participation in discussions.
2018
HEInnovate: Train the trainers
COOP Hotel, Sofia, Bulgaria ▪ Training activities related to a framework for entrepreneurial and innovative higher education institutions; Participation in workshops and discussions.
2018
Erasmus+ staff mobility for teaching and participation at the 8th International week
Pamukkale University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Chemical Engineering, Çamlaraltı Mahallesi, Üniversite Cd. No:11, 20160 Pamukkale/Denizli, Turkey ▪ Teaching activities (lectures) on the topic Process optimisation: Introduction and applications in chemical engineering; Attending the 8th International week and participation in discussions.
2018
Mobility within the project "Involvement of visiting foreign experts and university teachers in the pedagogical process as a pillar of quality development process of internationalisation of the University of Maribor"
The project is co-funded by the European Social Fund and the Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Slovenia) University of Maribor, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Smetanova 17, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia. ▪ Teaching activities (lectures/exercises) in the topics related to Process optimisation, modelling and solving chemical engineering problems in GAMS.
2017
Full Professor in Chemical Engineering
University of Tuzla, Faculty of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Univerzitetska 8, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina ▪ Teaching and Research in Chemical Engineering. Teaching Courses: Unit Operations, Chemical Process Design, Process Integration, Rational Use of Energy/Energy Efficiency in Chemical Processes, Synthesis and Optimisation of Chemical Processes.
2016
Mobility within the SCOPES (Scientific Co-operation between Eastern Europe and Switzerland) project
EPFL/Industrial Processes & Energy Systems Engineering Group (IPESE), Valais Wallis, 1951 Sion, Switzerland. ▪ Mobility within the SCOPES research project entitled "Computer Aided Process Engineering applied to energy, water, and waste reduction during process design and operation". Attending work meetings and dissemination of research results. Host research contact: Prof. François Maréchal.
2016
Erasmus+ staff mobility for training/teaching
Lappeenranta University of Technology, School of Business and Management, Lappeenranta, Finland ▪ Study and attending work meetings. Host research contact: Prof. Andrzej Kraslawski.
2014-2015
Mobility within the project "Internationalization - A Pillar of Development of the University of Maribor"
University of Maribor, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Smetanova 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia ▪ Teaching and Research in Chemical Engineering (Process Systems Engineering and Sustainable Development). Visiting Professor in framework of project "Internationalization - A Pillar of Development of the University of Maribor" (co-financed by European Social Fund and Ministry of Education, Science and Sport of the Republic of Slovenia). Host contact: Prof. dr. Zdravko Kravanja.
2014
Mobility within the TEMPUS project
University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Economy, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Participation at the workshop "HEI Staff trained on internal QA in PhD" organised within the TEMPUS project "Embedding Quality Assurance in Doctoral Education (EQUADE).
2014-2017
Associate Professor in Chemical Engineering
University of Maribor, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Smetanova 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia.
2013
Teaching mobility within the CEEPUS project
University of Maribor, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Smetanova 17, SI-2000 Maribor, Slovenia. ▪ Realisation of the activities within the CEEPUS project entitled "PhD in Sustainable Chemistry and Chemical Engineering". Guest lecture related to Synthesis of heat-integrated process networks and applications of developed optimization models to problems of different complexity. Host contact: Prof. dr. Zdravko Kravanja.
2013
EM2-STEM: Feedback and Employability Workshop - Case Study Mobility Experience
Lecture: EM2-STEM Mobility Experience at the Lappeenranta University of Technology. ▪ Presentation of mobility experience at the EM2-STEM: Feedback and Employability Workshop held in Novi Sad 14-15, 2013, Serbia.
2012
Postdoctoral Research in Chemical Engineering - EM2-STEM  Program
Lappeenranta University of Technology, P.O.Box 20, 53851 Lappeenranta, Finland. ▪ The staff member mobility project related to the chemical engineering curriculum study, case-base reasoning and water and energy management in process plants. Host research contact: Prof. Andrzej Kraslawski.
2011-2017
Associate Professor in Process Engineering
University of Tuzla, Faculty of Technology, Department of Process Engineering, Univerzitetska 8, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina ▪ Teaching and Research in Process Engineering. Teaching Courses: Unit Operations, Chemical Process Design, Process Integration, Rational Use of Energy.
2011-2012
Postdoctoral Research in Process Systems Engineering - JoinEU SEE Mobility Program
University of Maribor, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Laboratory for Process Systems Engineering and Sustainable Development, Smetanova 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia. ▪ Postdoctoral research in Process Systems Engineering within the JoinEU SEE Program (Scholarship scheme for academic exchange between EU and Western Balkan countries). Research project: Sustainable water and energy management in process industry and Synthesis of heat-integrated process water networks. Advisor: Prof. Zdravko Kravanja.
2011
Postdoctoral Research in Process Systems Engineering - DAAD Program
Institute for Applied Material Flow Management (IfaS), Environmental Campus Birkenfeld, PO Box 1380, 55761 Birkenfeld, Germany ▪ Postdoctoral research in Process Systems Engineering within the DAAD Program (Research Stays for University Academics and Scientists). Research project: Sustainable water and energy management in the process industries. Host research contact: Prof. Peter Heck.
2010
Mobility within TEMPUS project
Katholieke Hogeschool Sint-Lieven, Gent, Belgium ▪ Study visit and training within the TEMPUS project: Creation of university-enterprise cooperation networks for education on sustainable technologies. Project ID: 158989-JPHES.
2006-2011
Assistant Professor in Process Engineering
University of Tuzla, Faculty of Technology, Univerzitetska 8, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina ▪ Teaching and Research in Process Engineering. Teaching Courses: Unit Operations I and II, Thermal Processes in Process Engineering, Process Design I, Hydro-mechanical operations, Heat and Mass Transfer Operations, Rational Use of Energy, Chemical Process Design, Process Integration.
2009
Fulbright Visiting Scholar Conference
The Ritz-Carlton, 1150 22nd St NW, Washington, DC ▪ Attending plenary panels and sessions related to Access and Equity in Higher Education; Participations in discussions.
2008-2009
Postdoctoral Research in Process Systems Engineering - Fulbright Visiting Scholar
Carnegie Mellon University, Center for Advanced Process Decision-making, Department of Chemical Engineering, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890 USA. ▪ Postdoctoral research in Process Systems Engineering within the Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program. Research Projects: Energy and Water Optimization of Bioprocess Systems. Advisor: Prof. Ignacio E. Grossmann, Rudolph R. and Florence Dean University Professor.
2007-2008
2009
 
Vice Dean for Education
University of Tuzla, Faculty of Technology, Department of Process Engineering, Univerzitetska 8, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina. ▪ Faculty management activities, work with the chairs of departments and teaching staff and students in order to improve education and teaching process at the Faculty of Technology.
2005
Ph.D. in Process Engineering
University of Tuzla, Faculty of Technology, Department of Process Engineering, Univerzitetska 8, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina. ▪ Thesis: Process simulation for concentration and crystallization of food systems by water evaporation. Department of Process Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Tuzla.
2004-2006
Senior Teaching Assistant in Chemical Engineering
University of Tuzla, Faculty of Technology, Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Univerzitetska 8, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina. ▪ Teaching and Research in Chemical Engineering. Teaching Courses: Unit Operations, Analysis and Simulation of Processes, Rational Use of Energy.
2003
Mobility within bilateral project between Slovenia and Bosna and Herzegovina
University of Maribor, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Smetanova 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia. ▪ Postgraduate research and realization of the research activities within the bilateral project between Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Project: Computer Aided Process Optimization. Advisor: Prof. Zdravko Kravanja.
2002
M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering
University of Tuzla, Faculty of Technology, Department of Chemical and Food Engineering, Univerzitetska 8, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina. A part of research was done at the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, Slovenia. ▪ Thesis: Heat integration and retrofit of heat exchangers network using mathematical programming.
2002
Mobility within bilateral project between Slovenia and Bosna and Herzegovina
University of Maribor, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Smetanova 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia. ▪ Postgraduate research and realization of the research activities within the bilateral project between Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Project: Computer Aided Process Optimization. Advisor: Prof. Zdravko Kravanja.
2001
Postgraduate research in Chemical Engineering
University of Maribor, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Smetanova 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia. ▪ Postgraduate research and work on master thesis: Heat integration and retrofit of heat exchanger network using mathematical programming. Advisor: Prof. Zdravko Kravanja.
2001
Postgraduate training in Chemical Engineering
Rovira and Virgili University, Tarragona, Department of Chemical Engineering, Spain ▪ Postgraduate training within the international collaboration between Spain and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
2000
Postgraduate research in Chemical Engineering
University of Maribor, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Smetanova 17, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia. ▪ Postgraduate research and work on master thesis: Heat integration and retrofit of heat exchanger network using mathematical programming. Advisor: Prof. Zdravko Kravanja.
1999-2004
Teaching Assistant in Chemical Engineering
University of Tuzla, Faculty of Technology, Department of Chemical Engineering, Univerzitetska 8, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina. ▪ Teaching and Research in Chemical Engineering. Teaching Courses: Chemical Engineering Calculations, Unit Operations, Thermodynamics and Thermotechnics.
1998
B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering
University of Tuzla, Faculty of Technology, Department of Chemical and Food Engineering , Univerzitetska 8, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina ▪ Thesis: Mathematical model of reactor balance equations in maleic-anhydride production.

Odabrana gostujuća i pozvana predavanja, seminari, treninzi, radionice
 
Lecture at Re-training: Didactics, curriculum development, and curriculum planning. Hybrid Workshops and Re-Training within the Erasmus+ Project "INTERBA", Univerzitet u Tuzli, Tehnološki fakultet, Tuzla, Bosna I Hercegovina, Decembar 28-29, 2022.
Invited Lecture: International cooperation and inter-university cooperation - possibilities and perspectives. Rector's Conference "Higher Education, Public Universities and Development Perspectives", University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, December 1, 2022.
Plenary lecture: Importance of Water and Energy Integration in Circular Economy Approach. The 5th International Conference on Technologies & Business Models for Circular Economy, September 12-14, 2022, Portorož, Slovenia. Plenary Lecture.
Invited Lecture: Tips for writing project proposals. Connect2022, Neum, Bosna i Hercegovina, August 28-Septembar 3, 2022.
Lecture at Training: Combined Water and Energy Integration in the Process Industries. Training within the Erasmus+ Project "INTERBA", Palermo, Italy, July 18-20, 2022.
Lecture at Training: Combined Water and Energy Integration in the Process Industries. Training within the Erasmus+ Project "INTERBA", Tirana, Albania, April 11-14, 2022.
Invited lecture at workshop: Presentation of Erasmus+ KA2 project "INTERnationalization at Home: Embedding Approaches and Structures to Foster Internationalization at Western BAlkans", University of Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, December 10, 2021
Invited lecture at workshop:
Experience from realized mobilities within Erasmus+ KA1 programme, University of Tuzla, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina, December 10, 2021.
Invited lecture:
How to write the best project proposal and get funds. Connect2021, Neum, Bosnia and Herzegovina, August 9-13, 2021
Invited lecture:
Writing project proposals. Connect2020, Neum, Bosnia and Herzegovina, August 22-29, 2020
PSE Seminar: Synthesis, Optimisation and Heat Integration of Evaporation Systems, July 25, 2019, Bremen, Germany. Seminar given at the University of Bremen, Laboratory of Process Systems Engineering.
Training: HEInnovate Train the Trainers, November 15-16, 2018, Sofia, Bulgaria. Active participation in training, workshops and discussions.
Seminar/Workshop: Application of computer aided process engineering for reducing water/energy consumption and waste generation in technological processes. The 22th Summer University of Tuzla, July 4, 2017, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Seminar held within the SCOPES (Scientific Co-operation between Eastern Europe and Switzerland) research project.
Plenary lecture: Water and heat integration in the process industry, the 5th Environmental Resources, Sustainable Development and Food Production (OPORPH), November 16-17, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina
CEEPUS Lecture: Synthesis of Heat-Integrated Water Networks. Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, University of Maribor, June 2013, Maribor, Slovenia.
Invited Session Lecture: Sustainable Water, Wastewater, and Energy Management in the Process Industries. The 10th Conference of Chemists, Technologists and Environmentalists of RS". November 15 - 16, 2013, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Guest Lecture: Process Integration: Water and Energy Optimization in Process Industry, Lappeenranta University of Technology, September 21, 2012, Lappeenranta, Finland.
Invited Lecture: Water Network Synthesis in Process Industry. IX Meeting of Young Chemical Engineers, New Technologies & Knowledge Transfer, University of  February 16-17, 2012, Zagreb, Croatia.
Seminar: Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program 2008-2009. Seminar organized on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Faculty of Technology, October 23, 2019, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Process Systems Engineering Seminar: General superstructure and global optimization for the design of integrated process water networks. August 28, 2009, Carnegie Mellon University, Department of Chemical Engineering. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.
Guest Lecture: Unit operations in food industry. Thermal properties of food. Heat-exchangers, Evaporation. May, 2005, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.


Nagrade, grantovi i stipendije
 
Federal Science Award for Technical Science awarded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Science and the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2022.
Federal Science Award for the Popularization and Promotion of Science awarded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Science and the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2021.
Erasmus + mobility for teaching, 2018, 2019, 2021

Research grant from the Federal Ministry of Education and Science Bosnia and Herzegovina for a research project, 2016-2017.
Erasmus + mobility for training, 2016.
DAAD Scholarship Programme, Research Stays for University Academics and Scientists, 2019.
Research grant for the SCOPES (Scientific co-operation between Eastern Europe and Switzerland) project, 2014-2017.
Best paper award at the 7th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES), 2012.
EM2-STEM Scholarship, 2012.
JoinEU SEE Scholarship, 2011/2012
DAAD Scholarship Programme, Research Stays for University Academics and Scientists, 2011.
Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program Grant for Postdoctoral Research, 2008/2009
Award of Rector of the University of Tuzla for excellent work results at the Faculty of Technology, 2007
Award of Cantonal Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport for PhD study, 2005
Scholarship for postgraduate training (Collaboration between University of Rovira and Virgili, Spain, and University of Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina), 2001
Scholarships for postgraduate training. Ministry of Science and Technology of Slovenia, 2000/2001
Postgraduate Student Grants (Supported by Austrian Federal Chancellery), 2000.


Recenzent za časopise 
 
AIChE Journal
Chemical Engineering Research and Design
Computers and Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering Science
Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research
Applied Energy
Energy
Journal of Cleaner Production
Journal of Environmental Management
Sustainable Production and Consumption
Latin American Applied Research - An International Journal
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Quarterly
Thermal Science
Croatian Journal of Food Science and Technology
Chemical Engineering Transactions Resource-Efficient Technologies
Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems
Chemical Engineering Transactions
Frontiers in Chemical Engineering

Chemistry in Industry
Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering



Recenzent za knjige i poglavlja u knjigama
 
Advances in Carbon Management Technologies (2020). Editors: Subhas Sikdar and Frank Princiotta. CRC Press.
Sustainable Utilization of Natural Resources (2017). Editors: Prasenjit Mondal and Ajay K. Dalai. Boca Raton, CRC Press.
Alternative Energy Sources and Technologies Process Design and Operation (2016). Editor: Mariano Martín. Cham, Springer.
Introduction to Software for Chemical Engineers (2014). Editor: Mariano Martín. Boca Raton, Florida, CRC Press.


 


Članstvo
 
Member of International Scientific Committee, the 32nd European Symposium on Computer-Aided Process Engineering (ESCAPE), June 12-15, 2022, Toulouse, France.
Member of Scientific Advisory Board, the 3rd Latin American Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES), July 24
-28, 2022, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Member of Scientific Advisory Board, the 5th South East European Conference on Sustainable development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SEE SDEWES), May 22
-26, 2022, Vlore, Albania.
Member of International Scientific Committee, the 31st European Symposium on Computer-Aided Process Engineering (ESCAPE), June 6-9, 2021, Istanbul, Turkey.
Member of Scientific Advisory Board, the 15th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES), September 1-5, 2020, Cologne, Germany.
Member of Scientific Advisory Board, the 4th South East European Conference on Sustainable development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SEE SDEWES), June 28-July 2, 2020, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Member of Scientific Advisory Board, the 1st Asia Pacific Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES), April 6-9, 2020, Gold Coast, Australia.
Member of Scientific Advisory Board, the 2nd Latin American Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES), February 9-12, 2020, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Member of International Scientific Committee, the 29th European Symposium on Computer-Aided Process Engineering (ESCAPE), June 16-19, 2016, Eindhoven, the Netherlands.
Member of the Energy Section-Energy and Resources Efficiency in the Chemical and Process Industry,
European Federation of Chemical Engineering (EFCE), from 2019.
Member of Scientific Advisory Board, the 14th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES), October 1-6, 2019, Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Member of Scientific Advisory Board, the 13th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES), September 30-October 4, 2018, Palermo, Italy.
Member of Scientific Advisory Board, the 1st Latin American Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES), January 28-31, 2018, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Member of the Senate of the University of Tuzla, from 2017.
Member of International Advisory Committee, the 10th International Conference on Sustainable Energy & Environmental Protection (SEEP), Water and Air Quality, June 27-30, 2017, Bled, Slovenia.
Member of International Advisory Committee, the 25th Croatian Conference of Chemists and Chemical Engineers with International Participation (25. HRVATSKI SKUP KEMIČARA I KEMIJSKIH INŽENJERA s međunarodnim sudjelovanjem), April 19-22, 2017, Poreč, Croatia.
Member of Scientific Advisory Board, the 12th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES), October 4-8, 2017, Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Member of Scientific Advisory Board, the 2nd South East European Conference on Sustainable development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SEE SDEWES), June 15-18, 2016, Piran, Slovenia.
Member of International Scientific Committee, the 26th European Symposium on Computer-Aided Process Engineering (ESCAPE), June 12-15, 2016, Portorož, Slovenia.
Member of Steering Committee of University Sport Society, University of Tuzla, from 2016.
Member of Scientific Advisory Board, the 10th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES), September 27
-October 2, 2015, Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Member of Scientific Advisory Board, the 9th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES), September 20-27, 2014, Venice-Istanbul, Turkey.
Member of Scientific Advisory Board, the 1st South East European Conference on Sustainable development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SEE SDEWES), June 29-July 3, 2014, Ohrid, Republic of Macedonia.
Member of Scientific Advisory Board, the 8th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems (SDEWES), September 20-27, 2013, Dubrovnik, Croatia.
Member of
Croatian Society of Chemical Engineering (HDKI), from 2002.
Senior Member of
American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), from 2016.
Member of
American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), from 2009.
 

Internacionalizacija i mobilnost

Internacionalizacija, mreže saradnje, zajednički projekti, studijske posjete i mobilnosti igraju veoma važnu ulogu u profesionalnom razvoju istraživača i nastavnika i poboljšanju kvaliteta izvođenja nastave i istraživanja na univerzitetima. Ohrabrujem sve kolege da apliciraju na različite programe mobilnosti kako bi stekli nezaboravna i vrijedna iskustva koja im mogu dati nove smjernice za budućnost.

U sljedećem radu mogu se naći neki detalji o mom iskustvu stečenom u okviru Fulbright Scholar Visiting Programa na Carnegie Mellon University, Department of Chemical Engineering, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:
Ahmetović, E. (2010). Fulbright program-Jedno od najboljih iskustava u životu, Technologica Acta, Vol. 3, No. 2, 57-64.

   

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