Multi‐Objective Optimization Applications in Chemical Engineering

Abstract

In chemical engineering applications, process design and operation need to be optimized for criteria such as profit, capital cost, conversion, yield and emissions simultaneously. Hence, multi-objective optimization (MOO) has found numerous applications in chemical engineering, particularly since the late 1990s. Bhaskar et al. (2000) have reviewed applications of MOO in chemical engineering. Recently, Masuduzzaman and Rangaiah (2009) have reviewed the reported applications of MOO in chemical engineering from the year 2000 until middle of the year 2007. In this chapter, we summarize about 230 articles on MOO in chemical engineering and related areas, published from the year 2007 until June 2012, under six groups: (i) process design and operation, (ii) petroleum refining, petrochemicals and polymerization, (iii) food industry, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, (iv) power generation and carbon dioxide emissions, (v) renewable energy, and (vi) hydrogen production and fuel cells. The first group and the last three groups have seen a significant increase in the number of papers published since the late 2000s.