GOALI: Process Synthesis Using Units with Integrated Functionality

GROSSMANN-9710303目前的工艺综合技术旨在创建工艺流程图，其中每个单元执行不同的功能，如反应、分离或热交换。然而，众所周知，在某些情况下，将功能集成到一台设备中可以带来显著的经济节约。一个例子是伊士曼化学法生产乙酸甲酯，它涉及反应蒸馏的使用。从设计研究的角度来看，一个困难是没有系统的技术来识别和综合这样的工艺流程图。本研究项目涉及综合多个功能单元的工艺流程图，如反应和分离。一个主要的动机是在一个给定的单元中同时执行多项任务，这简化了工艺流程图的结构，可能会大幅减少投资和运营费用。该项目将首先在两个不同的层面上解决这个合成问题。一个是在高层次的表示中，将研究允许可视化设计备选方案的新的几何组成图。这一级的目标将是查明哪些情况下将功能整合到一个设备中可能证明是有利的。第二个层次本质上是详细的，涉及到相应的离散/连续优化问题的建模和求解。将研究上层建筑和数学规划模型的新表示法，以寻找具有可执行多个任务的单元的最优流程图。将通过依赖于允许功能耦合的建模方法的多级别综合战略来研究两个综合级别的整合。该项目将与伊士曼化工公司合作，通过共同开发合成战略，通过实际工艺实例进行测试，以及通过PI和一名研究生的相互访问。

Abstract - Grossmann - 9710303 Current techniques for process synthesis are aimed at creating process flowsheets in which each unit performs a distinct function such as reaction, separation or heat exchange. It is known, however, that there are cases when integrating functions in one single equipment can lead to significant economic savings. An example is the Eastman Chemical process for methyl acetate that involves the use of reactive distillation. From the standpoint of design research, one difficulty is that there are no systematic techniques for identifying and synthesizing such process flowsheets. This research project deals with the synthesis of process flowsheets that involve units that integrate multiple functions, such as reaction and separation. A major motivation is to simultaneously perform multiple tasks in a given unit, which simplifies the structure of the process flowsheet, possibly yielding large reductions in the investment and operating expenses. The project will first address this synthesis problems at two different levels. One is at a high level of representation in which new geometric composition diagrams that will allow the visualization of design alternatives will be investigated. The objective at this level will be the identification of cases when the integration of functions in one equipment is likely to prove to be advantageous. The second level is detailed in nature and involves the modeling and solution of the corresponding discrete/continuous optimization problems. New representations of superstructures and mathematical programming models will be investigated to search for optimal flowsheets with units that can perform multiple tasks. The integration of the two synthesis levels will be investigated through a multilevel synthesis strategy that relies on a modeling approach that allows the coupling of functions. The project will involve collaboration with Eastman Chemical Company through joint work in the development of the synthesis strategy, in the testing with real process examples, and through mutual visits by the PI's and a graduate student.