Process Modeling
Evidence-based models for complex operations
PROCESS ENGINEERING CONSULTANCY
Complex processes.
Efficient solutions.
We solve challenging process problems in the chemical and energy industries through rigorous modeling, simulation, and deep separation expertise.
01 / ABOUT
ABOUT MLPI
“Precise, practical answers
where expertise matters.”
Turning research into industrial impact
ML Process Innovation is a technology-driven consultancy established to connect accumulated process engineering research with industrial practice. We work closely with clients to develop designs and improvements that can be implemented in the field.
CORE CAPABILITIES
Advanced Separation
Specialized designs beyond conventional separation
Process Optimization
Actionable improvements for energy and performance
02 / SERVICES
WHAT WE SOLVE
Solving industrial challenges
with specialized expertise.
We deliver analysis tailored to each process and objective—not generic answers. From problem definition to modeling, optimization, and design improvement, every step is connected.
01
Process Modeling & Simulation
We build reliable models from process data and operating conditions to quantify performance and risk before changes are made.
- Aspen Plus
- Sensitivity Analysis
- Process Modeling
02
Advanced Distillation & Separation
We propose tailored process configurations for azeotropic, close-boiling, and other separation challenges beyond conventional approaches.
- Advanced Distillation
- DWC
- Cyclic Distillation
03
Process Optimization & Energy Saving
We analyze operating variables and energy flows together to balance productivity, energy use, and operational stability.
- Optimization
- Energy Saving
- Heat Integration
04
Specialized Process Consulting
From refrigerant reclamation to carbon capture, we support niche process challenges from problem definition through improvement design.
- Refrigerant Reclaiming
- Carbon Capture
- Special Process
DEEP TECH, PRACTICAL VALUE
Where research depth
meets industrial reality.
ML Process Innovation focuses on advanced distillation and separation, process modeling, and optimization. Deep specialization and a streamlined structure enable faster, more flexible technical support.
01Deep expertise in
specialized fields
specialized fields
02Quantitative validation
through simulation
through simulation
03Agile support tailored
to each process
to each process
INDUSTRIES WE SERVE
- 01Refining & Petrochemicals
- 02Fine Chemicals
- 03Energy
- 04Chemicals & Battery Materials
- 05Environment & Refrigerant Reclaiming
- 06Process Technology Licensing
03 / CONSULTANT
- Areas of expertise
- Process modeling · Advanced distillation and separation · Process optimization
- Career & research
- Professor Emeritus of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University · Former process design engineer at SK Ulsan Complex
Career & selected achievements
Education & career
- 1978–1982 B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Seoul National University
- 1982–1984 M.S. in Chemical Engineering, KAIST
- 1987–1991 Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, KAIST
- 2025–Present Special Visiting Professor, Yeungnam University; Technical Advisor to Oun R2Tech and Selfa Space
- 1994–2025 Professor of Chemical Engineering, Yeungnam University
- 1984–1994 Process Design Engineer, SK Ulsan Complex Process Research Laboratory
- 1997, 2004, 2014 Visiting Scholar at ETH Zürich, University of Utah, and UBC
Research expertise
- Advanced distillation design, modeling, optimization, and control
- Chemical and energy process design and optimization
- Mixed-refrigerant natural gas and hydrogen liquefaction processes
- Process energy-efficiency improvement
- Advanced process control and automation
Academic achievements
- Named among the world’s top 2% researchers (Elsevier Scopus, 2025)
- Ranked in the top 0.09% in distillation technology, 0.2% in engineering, and 0.3% in chemical engineering (ScholarGPS, 2025)
- h-index 68 and 17,000 citations (Google Scholar, 2025)
- 390+ SCI journal papers and 600+ conference presentations
- Author of 24 books including Chemical Process Design
- 9 patents and 6 technology transfers
- Editorial roles for international journals including J. Natural Gas Science & Engineering, Energies, and Cryogenics
Industrial R&D & honors
- Developed a commercial dividing-wall distillation column applied at LG Chem
- Process development, optimization, design research, and consulting for leading chemical and energy companies
- 2016 Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Award for contributions to the engineering industry
- 2013 Traditional Chemical Engineering Special Award and 2020 Park Sun-won Academic Award
- 2006 Ko Myung-bok Academic Award and 2013 Jeon Yu-rim–Han Jin-man Process Design Competition
- 2013 Honeywell UniSim Design Competition and 2014 EU–Russian Innovation Forum competition awards
ENGINEER TRAINING EXPERIENCE
Practical training
for industry engineers.
The founder and principal consultant has delivered practical training for engineers in Korea and abroad across distillation, process simulation, heat integration, and process control.
- 01Korean Institute of Chemical Engineers
Continuing education for engineers: Distillation technology
- 02Seoul National University EDRC
Continuing education for engineers: Distillation technology
- 03Korea Control & Instrumentation Education Center
Practical PID controller tuning
- 04Korea Control & Instrumentation Education Center
Practical feedforward and advanced control
- 05LG Chem Process R&D Center
Practical distillation technology for engineers
- 06Hanwha Chemical
Practical Aspen Basic, advanced distillation, heat exchanger, and heat integration training
- 07SK Materials
Practical Aspen Basic training for engineers
- 08PPC, Thailand
Practical DWC distillation technology training for engineers
- 09PPC, Thailand
Practical PID control technology training for engineers
FOUNDER’S PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Industry–academia projects
33SELECTED PROJECTS1998—2025
- The projects below are the industry–academia research record carried out by founder and principal consultant Moon Yong Lee in an individual capacity or through his affiliated institution—not the corporate project record of ML Process Innovation.
- They span new-process development, process improvement, and localization across petrochemicals, engineering, shipbuilding and offshore, semiconductors, and information materials.
2024–2025
- Feasibility study for installing carbon capture, storage, and utilization facilities at the Songdo Resource Environment CenterKorea Clean Power Technology
- Application development of next-generation low-carbon cyclic distillation modeling and design technologyLG Chem
- Development of proprietary absorbents for high- and low-concentration streamsDoosan Enerbility
- Wastewater purification process study for an offshore e-methanol plantDoosan Enerbility
2013–2016
- DPC process energy reduction using thermally coupled distillationCheil Industries, Anyang Plant
- Feasibility, design, and operation study for applying a dividing-wall distillation columnHanwha Chemical Corp.
- Quaternary liquid–liquid equilibrium experiments and NRTL parameter developmentAMT Pacific Co., Ltd.
- Methodology for measuring CO₂ reduction through mechanical vapor recompressionSunteco Co., Ltd.
- Degradation and foaming characteristics of amine absorbents for sour gasTPT Pacific Co., Ltd.
- Economic analysis of a bio-based PTT production processKorea Institute of Industrial Technology
- Development of a glycerol purification strategy for enzyme-derived processesKorea Institute of Industrial Technology
- Separation and purification technology for next-generation biochemical materialsKIST
2006–2012
- Advanced chemical-process control using the commercial SMOC model predictive control packagePSCK Co., Ltd.
- Process development for toluene separation and recovery from polyurethane-coating exhaust gasDongjin Sangsa Co., Ltd.
- Control-system development and pilot study for a dividing-wall distillation columnLG Chem Ltd.
- VOC reduction system for crude-oil transfer operationsDaewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd.
- HF separation technology to reduce environmentally hazardous substances by at least 50%POSCO M-TECH Co., Ltd.
- Efficiency improvement of the PO/SM process purification column at SKC's Ulsan plantSKC Ltd.
- Dynamic simulator development for an IGCC gas-cleaning processDoosan Heavy Industries & Construction
- Feedforward control system for semiconductor-fab air-handling systemsSamsung Electronics, Suwon Plant
1998–2004
- Identification of a crystal-growth furnace process and PID controller tuningSiltron Co., Ltd.
- Development of a CIMPI GUI and control-system analysis toolSK Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd.
- Control-system development for large-diameter, defect-free crystal productionSiltron Co., Ltd.
- Nozzle spray characterization of an adsorption column using rigorous process simulationP&I Consulting Co., Ltd.
- Software development for an ultra-compact NIR analyzerSK Corp. Ulsan Complex
- Selective absorption of heat-transfer oil and VOCs and optimal absorber designSoosung Engineering Co., Ltd.
- Optimal basic design of an adsorption column using rigorous process simulationP&I Consulting Co., Ltd.
- Reaction-yield improvement for the SHADOW MASK GRS processLG Micron Co., Ltd.
- Extractive-distillation technology for separating waste liquid from the STRIP processJeongbo Industry Co., Ltd.
- Process improvement for solvent-based production of potato acetate starchJinseong Nongsan Co., Ltd.
- Optimal drying technology for metal substrates and coated filmsRosa Co., Ltd.
- Technology development for rigorous computer simulation of refinery processesAID Co., Ltd.
- Breakage prediction and prevention system for ultra-thin display-film processesCasaTech Co., Ltd.
Disclosure: These are the founder’s individual project credentials and are not presented as corporate project credentials of ML Process Innovation.
04 / APPROACH
HOW WE WORK
From process data
to confident decisions.
Define
Clarify the challenge and project objectives.
Model
Build a process model grounded in data.
Analyze
Identify critical variables and bottlenecks.
Optimize
Find the optimum within practical constraints.
Deliver
Deliver actionable designs and improvements.
05 / CONTACT
START A CONVERSATION
Let’s explore what your
process can achieve next.
Tell us about the process challenge and your project objectives.
We will review them and recommend an appropriate path forward.
- Process or system
- Current challenge
- Project objective
PROJECT INQUIRY
Technical consultation
Send us a brief description of the process, current challenge, and project objective.
info@MLEEprocess.com ↗