Heuristic Method for the Optimal Synthesis and Design of Batch Plants Considering Mixed Product Campaigns

Abstract

In this paper, a heuristic method is presented for the simultaneous solution of the synthesis and design problems of batch plants. A detailed nonlinear program (NLP) model is developed that considers a superstructure to represent all the configuration options for the plants. Usually, similar works in this area assume as a hard constraint the use of single-product campaigns. In this work, mixed campaigns are introduced to pose problems where this is a significant condition. Specific scheduling constraints are formulated, and a resolution strategy is presented to solve the problem. This formulation is valid for multiproduct batch plants and a special type of multipurpose plants where products follow different production paths sharing some but not all the stages. The approach is implemented for a Torula yeast, brandy, and bakery yeast production plant. To assess the method, different mixed campaigns are modeled. Economical and synthesis, design, and operational results are also reported.