The reactor network synthesis problem involves determining the type, size, and interconnections of the reactor units, optimal concentration and temperature profiles, and the heat load requirements of the process. A general framework is presented for the synthesis of optimal chemical reactor networks via an optimization approach. The possible design alternatives are represented via a process superstructure which includes continuous stirred tank reactors and cross flow reactors along with mixers and splitters that connect the units. The superstructure is mathematically modeled using differential and algebraic constraints and the resulting problem is formulated as an optimal control problem. The solution methodology for addressing the optimal control formulation involves the application of a control parameterization approach where the selected control variables are discretized in terms of time invariant parameters. The dynamic system is decoupled from the optimization and solved as a func...

Synthesis and design of chemical products involves identification of the desired product behaviour and the determination of the molecular structures of chemicals and/or their mixtures that match the desired behaviour. In computer-aided solution approaches, suitable property models are needed. In synthesis and design of processes that can produce the desired chemical products, process flowsheet alternatives are generated and verified to check for their feasibility and performance criteria. In this case also, computer-aided solution approaches need suitable property models embedded within the process model. Therefore, choice of the property models to be used, define the search space for the feasible solutions. This can be a limitation of model-based solution approaches where the process model and the embedded property models are solved simultaneously. The objective of this paper is to present a new reverse approach to formulation and solution of problems related to synthesis/design of chemical product-processes. The main idea behind the reverse approach is to decompose a synthesis/design problem

Abstract not found

This paper presents a review of advances that have taken place in the mathematical programming approach to process design and synthesis. A review is first presented on the algorithms that are available for solving MINLP problems, and its most recent variant, Generalized Disjunctive Programming models. The formulation of superstructures, models and solution strategies is also discussed for the effective solution of the corresponding optimization problems. The rest of the paper is devoted to reviewing recent mathematical programming models for the synthesis of reactor networks, distillation sequences, heat exchanger networks, mass exchanger networks, utility plants, and total flowsheets. As will be seen from this review, the progress that has been achieved in this area over the last decade is very significant. 1.