A comparison of data models in chemical engineering

Several data models have been developed in the domain of chemical engineering as the basis of specialized computer-aided tools, for the exchange of data between different tools, or to obtain a better understanding of the domain in order to improve its work processes and to provide specific support functionalities. All these data models where developed independently from each other and for specific applications. Within this paper, a comparison of different chemical engineering data models, that are currently developed and used, is attempted. First some fundamentals of data modeling will be presented. General requirements of data models are given as well as requirements that are specific to chemical engineering. These requirements and the covered data scope build the basis for the discussion and comparison of the data models. Based on this analysis, open issues in data modeling are derived that need to be approached in order to obtain high quality data models as a basis for information management and support of concurrent engineering.