Papers and Product Literature

A description of the papers and presentation documents that can be downloaded from our website follows below. All of these documents can be reproduced and distributed (to your colleagues and students) free of charge but they cannot be sold for profit. Most of the documents are zipped and you will need Winzip or a similar utility to decompress them after you download them.

The documents that follow are useful for engineers and scientists in the biotech, pharmaceutical, and specialty chemical industries that deal with development, design and operation of integrated batch processes.

[1] Intelligen Suite (IntelligenSuiteJanuary2022.zip, Size = 7 MB)
This Powerpoint presentation document provides an overview of the Intelligen Suite (the combination of SuperPro Designer and SchedulePro). Most of the slides include descriptive text in the “Notes” page. Click here to download the document. If you wish to download a one-page flyer of the Intelligen Suite (in PDF format), please click here

[2] Bioprocess Design & Economics Book Chapter
This is an updated version of our popular book chapter on Bioprocess Design & Economics. Biochemical engineering students and engineers with limited bioprocess design experience find it particularly useful. It features theory on bioprocess synthesis and analysis, material on bioprocess simulation, and presents a thorough methodology for estimation of capital and operating costs. It also includes three detailed examples dealing with the production of Citric Acid, Human Insulin, and Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies. An improved version of this document is available as a book chapter in the second edition of a textbook on “Bioseparations Science and Engineering” that has been written by Roger Harrison, Paul Todd, Scott Rudge and Demetri Petrides and published by Oxford University Press in 2015 (ISBN 978-0-19-539181-7). The posted PDF document can be downloaded by clicking here.

[3] Biopharmaceutical Process Optimization with Simulation and Scheduling Tools (BioengineeringSept2014.zip, Size = 1.5 MB). This article was published in September of 2014 in the Bioengineering – Open Access Journal.  The first part explains how to model, analyze and evaluate a bio-pharmaceutical process in detail with SuperPro Designer. Topics covered include material balances, scheduling, cost analysis and cycle time reduction. The second part of the document explains how to model, design and manage multi-product bio-pharmaceutical facilities with SchedulePro. The document is in PDF format and can be downloaded by clicking here.

[4] Algal Oil (Algae Biofuel) SuperPro example (AlgaeBiofuel.zip, Size = 583 KB)
This is a new SuperPro Designer example (created using SuperPro v9 b9 in October of 2014) that deals with algal oil production which can be easily converted into bio-fuels. The posted zip includes the SuperPro file and the ReadMe file in MS Word format. The focus of the example is on input-output type of analysis (i.e., material & energy balances, equipment sizing and estimation of capital and operating costs). The entire process was modeled as continuous for the sake of simplicity. The current Biological Oxidation procedure (the stoichiometric version) was used to represent raceway ponds. New photo-bioreactor procedures are under development and will be part of the next release. The example will be updated at that time to feature the new procedures. The posted zip file can be downloaded by clicking here.

[5] Batch Process Simulation Book Chapter (BatchProcessSimulation2013.zip, Size = 0.7 MB)
This book chapter focuses on modeling and scheduling of batch processes. The first part explains how to model, analyze and evaluate a single batch process in detail with SuperPro Designer. Topics covered include material balances, cost analysis, cycle time reduction and uncertainty analysis. The second part of the document explains how to model and schedule multi-product facilities with SchedulePro. The facility that is analyzed in the example produces a number of polymer resins. The document is in PDF format and can be downloaded by clicking here.

[6] Optimizing the Design and Operation of Fill-Finish Facilities using Process Simulation and Scheduling Tools (FillFinishMarch2011.zip, Size = 2.8 MB). This article was published in the March / April 2011 issue of Pharmaceutical Engineering (the ISPE magazine). The document is in PDF format and can be downloaded by clicking here.

[7] Design and Optimization of a Large Scale Biopharmaceutical Facility using Process Simulation and Scheduling Tools (BioPharmaFacilityDesign2010.zip, Size = 5 MB). This article was published in the March / April 2010 issue of Pharmaceutical Engineering (the ISPE magazine). The document is in PDF format and can be downloaded by clicking here.

[8] The Role of Simulation and Scheduling Tools in the Development and Manufacturing of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (SimulationAndSchedulingInPharmaNov2009.zip, Size = 820 KB). An improved version of this document is available as a chapter of a new book on “Chemical Engineering in the Pharmaceutical Industry: R&D to Manufacturing” edited by David J. am Ende and published by John Wiley & Sons in 2011 (ISBN 978-0-470-42669-2). The focus of this article is on small molecule active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). The document is in PDF format and can be downloaded by clicking here.

[9] Systematic Evaluation of Single-Use Systems Using Process Simulation Tools (DisposablesNov2008.zip, Size = 236 KB). An improved version of this paper appeared in the November, 2008, supplement on Disposables of BioPharm International. This article evaluates the impact of single-use systems (disposables) on production cost, demand for cleaning materials, demand for consumables, and production cycle time. The analysis is done for a typical cell culture facility producing therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. The document is in PDF format and can be downloaded by clicking here.

[10] Optimize Manufacturing of Pharmaceutical Products with Process Simulation and Production Scheduling Tools (IChemE_July_2007.zip, Size = 2.3 MB). This article appeared in the July 2007 issue of Chemical Engineering Research and Design (an IChemE publication). It provides information on the benefits from the use of process simulation and finite capacity scheduling tools in the development and manufacture of pharmaceutical products. An illustrative example focusing on Tablet Manufacturing is included. Topics covered in the article include: Materials Balances, Cost of Goods Analysis, Cycle Time Analysis and Reduction, Uncertainty and Variability Analysis, Production Planning and Scheduling. Click here to download the article.

[11] Risk Assessment, Uncertainty/Variability Analysis, Stochastic Modeling, and Monte Carlo Simulation (RiskAssessmentPE2006.zip, Size = 18 MB). This article appeared in the July/August 2006 issue of Pharmaceutical Engineering (the main publication of ISPE). It explains how to represent uncertainty and variability in process models and assess its impact using the combination of SuperPro Designer and Crystal Ball. Crystal Ball is an Excel add-inn application that allows you to create scenarios for Monte Carlo simulation. The communication between Crystal Ball and SuperPro is done using the COM interface of SuperPro and scripts written in VBA (Visual Basic for Applications). The article is based on a batch API process and analyzes the impact of uncertainty and variability in cost and operating parameters on the annual throughput of the plant and its manufacturing cost. Click here to download the high-resolution version of the article. For a low-resolution version of the same file (which is only 220 KB in size), please click here. For a pertinent Powerpoint presentation, please click here. Most of the Powerpoint slides include descriptive text in the “Notes” pages.

[12] Optimizing Pharmaceutical Process Development (PharmaPaper.zip, Size = 122 KB)
This paper appeared in the Jan/Feb, 2002, issue of Pharmaceutical Engineering. It provides info on the role of batch process simulators in facilitating development and commercialization of bulk pharmaceuticals. The document is in pdf format (you will need Acrobat Reader to open it) and can be downloaded by clicking here. The same paper in MS Word 2000 format (the pictures have better resolution in this format) can be downloaded by clicking here.

[13] Throughput Analysis and Debottlenecking of Biomanufacturing Facilities (BioPharmaPaper.zip, Size = 96 KB).
A version of this article appeared in the August, 2002, issue of BioPharm. It focuses on debottlenecking and cycle time reduction of monoclonal antibody production processes. It provides info on a systematic debottlenecking theory and a thorough example based on a therapeutic MAb process. The document is in MS Word 2000 format and can be downloaded by clicking here. If you prefer the final version of the article in pdf format (size = 1300 kb), please click here.

[14] Cycle Time Reduction and Economic Evaluation (AIChE2001.zip, Size = 524 KB)
This is the Powerpoint document of a presentation on “Throughput Analysis, Debottlenecking, and Economic Evaluation of Integrated Biochemical Processes” that was given at the annual AIChE meeting in Reno (November, 2001). The complete text of the presentation can be found in the “Notes” page of the slides. It provides detailed info on a systematic throughput analysis and debottlenecking theory followed by a thorough example. The document also provides introductory material on process simulation and a future outlook regarding new features in SuperPro. Click here to download the document.

[15] Process Fitting and Technology Transfer (SynPharma.zip, Size = 254 KB)
This is the Powerpoint document of a presentation on “Technology Transfer, Process Fitting, and Debottlenecking”. The complete text of the presentation can be found in the “Notes” page of the slides. This document deals with the transfer of a synthetic pharmaceutical process from R&D to manufacturing. It explains how to use process simulators to facilitate fitting of a new process into an existing facility and then how to increase plant throughput by installing extra equipment and operating it in an intelligent way. Click here to download the document.

[16] Cellulosic Isobutanol Production – Process Simulation and Economic Analysis (IsobutanolSept2019.pdf, Size = 2.3 MB)
This article was published through MDPI (open-access) in September of 2019. The detailed SuperPro Designer model that was created for this paper can be found in the Examples \ Biofuels folder of SuperPro (the full as well as the evaluation edition). Click here to download the document.

[17] Grass Straw to Ethanol Conversion.  The focus of this paper is on the “Impact of pretreatment and downstream processing technologies on economics and energy in cellulosic ethanol production.” It includes detailed analysis with SuperPro Designer. The work was performed by Deepak Kumar and Ganti S. Murthy at the Oregon State University and published in Biotechnology for Biofuels in 2011. The SuperPro Designer files are available from the authors as well as from Intelligen.

[18] Cost of Cellulases.  The focus of this paper is on the “The Challenge of Enzyme Cost in the Production of Lignocellulosic Biofuels.” The analysis was done using SuperPro Designer. The work was performed by Daniel Klein-Marcuschamer, Piotr Oleskowicz-Popiel, Blake A. Simmons and Harvey W. Blanch and published in Biotechnology and Bioengineering in 2012. The SuperPro Designer file is available from the authors (by visiting http://econ.jbei.org) as well as from Intelligen.

[19] Modeling the Process and Costs of Fuel Ethanol Production by the Corn Dry-Grind Process (USDA-Corn-to-Ethanol.zip, Size = 120 KB). This paper analyzes the production of fuel grade ethanol from corn using the dry-grind process. It includes technical as well as economic analysis of the process. SuperPro Designer was used for the analysis and the SuperPro model is available to the public for non-commercial research and educational uses. The work was performed by Jason R. Kwiatkowski, Andrew J. McAloon, Frank Taylor, and David B. Johnston at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Eastern Regional Research Center, 600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038-8598, USA. Click here to download the document. Click here to download the SuperPro file for this process. Please note that you will need SuperPro v7.5, build 8, to open and run this file. You may open and run the file even with the Evaluation version of SuperPro that can be downloaded from our website free of charge. If you wish to reach the authors of the paper and SuperPro model, please send an e-mail message to Mr. Andrew McAloon by clicking here.

[20] Bio-Diesel Production from De-gummed Vegetable Oil (USDA_Biodiesel.zip, Size = 390 KB). This paper analyzes the production of biodiesel from degummed vegetable oil. It includes technical as well as cost analysis of the process. The process was modeled using Aspen Plus as well as SuperPro Designer. The SuperPro model is available to the public for non-commercial research and educational uses. The work was performed by Michael J. Haas, Andrew J. McAloon, Winnie C. Yess,, and Thomas A. Foglia at U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Eastern Regional Research Center, 600 East Mermaid Lane, Wyndmoor, PA 19038-8598, USA. Click here to download a zip file that includes the paper and the SuperPro process model.  Please note that you will need SuperPro v6, build 21, to open and run this file. You may open and run the file even with the Evaluation version of SuperPro that can be downloaded from our website free of charge.

[21] Production of Polyhydroxyalkanoates from Renewable Carbon Resources (Akiyama.zip, Size = 440 KB).
This paper analyzes the large-scale fermentative production of poly(3-hydroxybuturate-co-5mol%  3-hydroxyhexanoate) [P(3HB-co-5mol% 3HHx)] from soybean oil as sole carbon source. It includes results of cost analysis and environmental impact assessment. SuperPro Designer was used for the analysis. The work was performed by Minoru Akiyama, Takeharu Tsuge, and Yoshiharu Doi at the Tokyo Institute of Technology (Japan).
Click here to download the document.

[22] Design of processes for the recovery and purification of plasmids for gene therapy and DNA vaccination (Prazeres.zip, Size = 240 KB).
This paper gives an overview of the manufacturing of plasmids and provides the basic concepts for designing flowsheets for their recovery and purification. Various alternatives flowsheets are presented and analyzed with SuperPro Designer. The work was performed by D.M.F. Prazeres and G.N.M. Ferreira at the Instituto Superior Tecnico in Lisbon, Portugal.Click here to download the document.

[23] This presentation file (in Powerpoint 97 format) explains how SuperPro Designer can be used to model, visualize, and optimize product formulation and packaging lines. It is applicable to professionals in the food, consumer product, pharmaceutical, beverage, and related industries. Essentially, whenever there is a combination of batch and semi-continuous lines that share some equipment, SuperPro can be used to reduce cycle times and increase plant throughput. To download this file (size = 148 KB) click here.

The documents that follow are useful for engineers that deal with wastewater treatment (physical as well as biological treatment), water purification, and recycling.

[24] Analysis and Retrofit Design of Wastewater Treatment and Recycling Facilities Using Process Simulation (EnvECB12.zip, Size = 708 KB). This PowerPoint document explains how process simulators can facilitate modeling, cost analysis, and optimization of wastewater treatment processes (municipal as well as industrial). Issues of VOC emissions from industrial treatment plants are addressed. A water recycling example is also included. Most slides include descriptive text in the “Notes” pages. Click here to download the document.

[25] The Role of Process Simulation in Evaluating Water Recycling Opportunities at a Semiconductor Fabrication Facility (Water2000.zip, Size = 159 KB). This paper was presented at the International Water Conference in Pittsburgh in October of 2000 It describes an effort to apply process simulation for evaluating water recycling options at a semiconductor fabrication plant of Lucent Technologies (presently that plant belongs to Agere Systems). The process described is also available as an example in the current demo version of SuperPro Designer. Click here to download the document.

[26] Click here to download the Powerpoint presentation document for the above paper (IWC2000.zip, Size = 663 KB). The focus of the presentation is on water recycling at a semiconductor manufacturing plant. However, the principles and ideas can be readily extended to other industrial facilities that utilize large amounts of water and have a need for recycling. The complete text of the presentation can be found in the “Notes” page of the slides.

[27] Optimization of Wastewater Treatment Facilities using Process Simulation (WasteWater1.zip, Size = 516 KB, the original document is in pdf format).
This article was published in Computers and Chemical Engineering in 1998. It deals with modeling, evaluation, and optimization of wastewater treatment processes. Models for predicting VOC emissions and tracking the fate of regulated components are presented in detail. Click here to download the document.

[28] EnviroPro Designer brochure (EnvPro.zip, Size = 164 KB)
This brochure document (in MS Word 97 format) provides detailed information on the capabilities and features of EnviroPro Designer. EnviroPro is a subset of SuperPro that focuses on wastewater treatment (physical as well as biological), water recycling, and air pollution control applications. Click here to download the document.

[29] Additional publications on wastewater treatment applications. You may also try to locate in your library the following articles. If you have difficulty gaining access to them, please let us and we will send you copies:

1. Clean Water Begins with a Mouse – A comprehensive computer simulation can simplify the task of designing a cost-effective wastewater treatment plant, Demetri Petrides, John Calandranis and Joseph Flora, Industrial Wastewater (a WEF publication), May/June 1997 issue, Pp. 33-40.
2. Modeling and Optimization of a Municipal Treatment Plant Using EnviroPro Designer, Victor E. Santamarina, Environmental Progress (Vol. 16, No. 4), Winter 1997, Pp. 268-273.
3. Treatment plant instructional modules based on SuperPro Designer v2.7, Joseph R.V. Flora, A. Steve McAnally, and Demetri Petrides, Environmental Modelling & Software, Elsevier, Vol. 14, 1999, Pp. 69-80.

[30] Finally, the demo version of SuperPro comes with five additional environmental examples (see the list below). Each example comes with a detailed read me file.