Review of optimization models for integrated process water networks and their application to biofuel processes

This paper provides an overview of recent development in the area of optimal synthesis of process water networks in which a major goal is to reduce the freshwater consumption by the reuse and recycle of process and treatment streams. The recent models can globally optimize these networks through mixed-integer nonlinear programming techniques. We discuss the application and impact of these techniques to biofuel plants, which are known to consume large amounts of water.