Extended Interval-Based Mixed Integer Nonlinear Programming Superstructure Synthesis of Heat and Mass Exchanger Networks

Abstract

In this paper we present a method for extending the interval-based mixed integer nonlinear programming superstructure (IBMS) model of Isafiade and Fraser [Chem. Eng. Res. Des. 2008, 86, 245−257; 909−924] for heat and mass exchanger networks synthesis to handle split streams going through two or more exchangers in series. A major shortcoming of the IBMS generation approach is that only parallel heat/mass exchange can take place for split streams. Individual split stream branches cannot exchange heat/mass in more than one exchanger since split streams must be mixed immediately after exchanging heat/mass in order to define the next interval boundary temperature/composition. A major deficiency of this is the tendency for the search space to be reduced thereby limiting the number of possible network configurations which can be generated. A method for overcoming this shortcoming is presented in this paper. The approach involves splitting every stream into subsuperstructures just before it enters into the parent...