Design of multiproduct batch processes with finite intermediate storage

Abstract

A heuristic procedure for the preliminary design of batch processes with or without intermediate storage tanks and for which the objective is the minimization of total equipment cost is presented. The processes may be operated in either the multiproduct or the multipurpose mode, but in which multiple products are accommodated through sequential single-product campaigns. The procedure which carries out a sequence of single variable fine searches to obtain a solution to the design problem is easy to code and use. The solutions yielded by the procedure are on an average within 1% of the optimal solutions and are obtained with small computational effort. The results obtained from the test problems also indicate that sizeable reductions in the capital cost of the equipment can be achieved by the insertion of intermediate storage tanks at appropriate locations in a plant.