An efficient and simplified solution to the predesign problem of multiproduct plants

Abstract

The operation of multiproduct batch plants at their optimal production capacity levels requires a careful selection among alternative feasible production lines, taking into account the specific characteristics of the plant itself and associated production constraints. This involves the proper design and sizing of equipment units at the predesign stage to obtain the final plant layout that allows the necessary flexibility to reach optimal production levels under most diverse conditions. An efficient optimization strategy based on gradient calculations has been devised which dramatically reduces the computing time required to achieve the solution, when compared with the best available heuristic procedures and deterministic nonlinear programming techniques. Test-cases are shown for different plant configurations, including both semicontinuous and batch equipment types, involving several products, where even some modifications on the production line are permissible. The retrofitting problem has also been contemplated. Test results corroborate the robustness of the proposed methodology and show relative greater efficiency when the number of products or equipment units increases considerably.