Research

My research interests are in the area of conceptual process design, process optimization, and venture analysis. 

Conceptual Process Design/Venture Analysis

One of the difficulties in process design is not knowing the impact of individual equipment and process choices on such areas as economics, safety, environment, etc., until the entire process evaluation is complete. Computer-assisted design tools offer the opportunity to substantially reduce or even eliminate the time log. 

We have been working closely with the EPA Center for Clean Industrial and Treatment Technologies at MTU to develop new generation design software that can generate the incremental effects of each new design decision on a wide variety of performance attributes. One of the software developments, the Design Option Ranking Tool, also has the capability of incorporating stochastic and multi-attribute decision criteria into the analysis. 

Process Modeling and Optimization 

Steam boilers are common to most chemical plants and electrical power-generating facilities. Boiler operation significantly impacts global energy consumption and emissions. 

We have developed models that represent the full range of boilers and their associated equipment, from space heating through power generating applications. With limited process data, the models permit complete material and energy balance calculations around a boiler system. 

A computer program has been developed to streamline the calculations and is being marketed worldwide. In addition to the material and energy balance, the output includes a complete set of ASME Power Test Code results and the capability to perform ASME Air Preheater Performance Tests. 

Selected Publications

D. Powell, B. Barna, and P. Sullivan, Optimization of the (C+D)(EO) Bleaching Sequence at Quinnesec, Bleaching: ATAPPI Press Anthology 1987 1990, TAPPI Press, 355 (1991). 

Z. Chen, Y. Chen, J. Diebel, V. Chiang, B. Barna, and E. Moffitt, Pulp Characteristics and Mill Economics for a Conceptual SO2 -Ethanol-Water Mill, Proceedings 1990 Pulping Conference, Book 2, TAPPI Press, 657 (1990). 

B. Barna and D. Jack, Chem Calc 14R; Boiler Efficiency Analysis, Software #940-3, Gulf Publishing Co., Book and Software Division, Houston, Tex., September 1988 

K. Martin and B. Barna, Project Economic Analysis, Chemical Engineering 91, 15, 73 (1984). 

Patent 

R. Lamparter, B. Barna, and D. Johndrud, Process for Recovering Terephthalic Acid From Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate, US Patent 4,542,239, September 17, 1985.