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separation-sequence-synthesizer skill

/plugins/babysitter/skills/babysit/process/specializations/domains/science/chemical-engineering/skills/separation-sequence-synthesizer

This skill evaluates separation options and sequences for multi-component mixtures, enabling optimal technology selection and energy-efficient, cost-conscious

npx playbooks add skill a5c-ai/babysitter --skill separation-sequence-synthesizer

Review the files below or copy the command above to add this skill to your agents.

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SKILL.md
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---
name: separation-sequence-synthesizer
description: Separation train synthesis skill for optimal sequencing and technology selection
allowed-tools:
  - Read
  - Write
  - Glob
  - Grep
  - Edit
  - Bash
metadata:
  specialization: chemical-engineering
  domain: science
  category: Separation Processes
  skill-id: CE-SK-013
---

# Separation Sequence Synthesizer Skill

## Purpose

The Separation Sequence Synthesizer Skill develops optimal separation sequences by evaluating technology alternatives and sequencing options for multi-component mixtures.

## Capabilities

- Separation feasibility analysis
- Sequencing heuristics application
- Technology screening (distillation, extraction, membrane)
- Heat integration opportunities
- Hybrid separation systems
- Economic evaluation
- Energy optimization
- Azeotrope breaking strategies

## Usage Guidelines

### When to Use
- Designing new separation trains
- Optimizing existing sequences
- Evaluating technology alternatives
- Integrating hybrid systems

### Prerequisites
- Mixture characterization complete
- Product specifications defined
- Property data available
- Economic criteria established

### Best Practices
- Screen technologies systematically
- Consider heat integration early
- Evaluate hybrid options
- Validate with simulation

## Process Integration

This skill integrates with:
- Separation Sequence Synthesis
- Process Flow Diagram Development
- Heat Integration Analysis

## Configuration

```yaml
separation-sequence-synthesizer:
  technologies:
    - distillation
    - extraction
    - membrane
    - adsorption
    - crystallization
  optimization-objectives:
    - energy
    - capital
    - total-cost
```

## Output Artifacts

- Sequence recommendations
- Technology comparisons
- Heat integration analysis
- Economic evaluations
- Process flow diagrams

Overview

This skill develops optimal separation trains by screening technologies and synthesizing sequencing options for multi-component mixtures. It balances feasibility, energy use, and cost to recommend practical separation sequences and hybrid configurations. Outputs include sequence recommendations, technology comparisons, heat-integration opportunities, and economic evaluations.

How this skill works

The skill inspects mixture composition, product specifications, and thermophysical data to assess separation feasibility for candidate technologies (distillation, extraction, membranes, adsorption, crystallization). It applies sequencing heuristics, screens technology alternatives, and identifies azeotrope-breaking or hybrid strategies. Energy optimization and basic heat-integration checks are performed, then sequences are ranked by objective functions such as energy, capital, or total cost.

When to use it

  • Designing a new separation train for a multi-component feed
  • Optimizing an existing sequence to reduce energy or cost
  • Comparing technology alternatives when multiple separations are feasible
  • Evaluating hybrid systems that combine distillation with extraction or membranes
  • Identifying azeotrope-breaking strategies or heat-integration opportunities

Best practices

  • Complete mixture characterization and property data before synthesis
  • Define product purities, recoveries, and economic criteria up front
  • Screen technologies systematically to avoid premature elimination
  • Consider heat integration early to capture energy-saving synergies
  • Validate recommended sequences with detailed simulation and sensitivity analysis

Example use cases

  • Propose an optimal sequence for separating a ternary mixture with one azeotrope
  • Compare all-distillation versus extraction-plus-membrane hybrid for solvent recovery
  • Identify energy-saving heat integration points for a staged distillation train
  • Rank technology choices when raw feed variability affects separability
  • Provide a cost-ranked shortlist of sequences for front-end process design

FAQ

What inputs are required to run the synthesizer?

Provide complete mixture composition, product specs (purity, recovery), property data or models, and the economic objectives to evaluate.

Can it recommend hybrid systems?

Yes. The skill screens and ranks hybrid configurations combining distillation, extraction, membranes, adsorption, and crystallization when beneficial.