Document details

A robust strategy for optimizing complex distillation columns

Author(s): Neves, Filipe J. M. cv logo 1 ; Silva, Dulce C. M. cv logo 2 ; Oliveira, Nuno M. C. cv logo 3

Date: 2005

Persistent ID: http://hdl.handle.net/10316/3803

Origin: Estudo Geral - Universidade de Coimbra

Subject(s): Distillation; Optimization; Continuous formulations; Relaxation


Description
This work introduces a strategy for the optimal design of distillation systems based on continuous optimization. The approach is similar to the one proposed earlier by [Lang, Y. -D., & Biegler, L. T. (2002). A distributed stream method for tray optimization. AIChE Journal, 48, 582], avoiding the need of solving extremely large and non-linear discrete optimization problems. When used with complex distillation units, it can identify interesting design configurations not considered by other continuous formulations, and also relieve some of the numerical difficulties associated with the use of distribution functions for the optimal location of feed and side-streams. The method considers a relaxation of the original problem, where the streams are initially split to several trays in the column, not necessarily adjacent. The optimal location of each stream is converged by constraining the optimization problem, using adjustable parameters that control the minimum amount of aggregation allowed. The methodology is illustrated with the application to several industrial case studies, including sets of distillation columns. Models up to 17,000 variables/equations were solved, revealing large economic benefits in the design of new units and optimization of sets of existing ones. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/B6TFT-4FPX2PR-2/1/3f5cfa384d0e1815a6bb4f3f2a808ec0
Document Type Article
Language English
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