The ability of the computer to synthesize complex separation schemes has been investigated and demonstrated. Several new concepts were generated as a result of the evolving programming study. The hierarchical ordering of executive routines in a synthesis system allows great flexibility in adding or modifying detailed simulation routines for separator units. Products rather than components art being separated; this concept is important when there are multi-component products. A Product Separability Matrix was created to identify the candidate . separations and to eliminate those which are infeasible as early as possible in the selection process. Incorporation of heuristics into the programming was done where no algorithmic procedure could be ascertained or where the use of heuristic procedures would save time without a major loss of generality. A number of heuristics were designed and evaluated.