Optimizing chemcad with excel
A complex multicomponent separation process with recycle streams is used to demonstrate the advantages of the proposed toolbox. Furthermore, a simulation model of the industrial plant can directly be used for the optimization. The usage of a rigorous process simulator is providing a high accuracy of the thermodynamic results which is necessary to evaluate the influence of the new process design. The MIPT algorithm is suitable for large optimization problems and can handle constraints and infeasibilities. The toolbox provides a quick evaluation of the process by searching for the global optimum. Both of these programs are linked via OPC (OLE for process control), a standard communication platform.
OPTIMIZING CHEMCAD WITH EXCEL SOFTWARE
An optimization approach using flowsheet simulation software and the stochastic optimization algorithm Molecular-Inspired Parallel Tempering (MIPT) implemented in the programming software Matlabâ„¢ is presented. Here, flowsheet simulation software packages are offering a high performance for the prediction of new operation points for following units, and for units affected by recycle streams. An optimization framework for the purpose of retrofitting using a rigorous process simulation tool is proposed to fulfill this task. Therefore new operating points have to be found and resulting effects on the plant performance have to be evaluated.
The local integration of modifications in the overall process leads to changes in internal streams. Due to the great combinatorial diversity of possible alternatives a systematic approach is essential. Nevertheless, the performance for optimization of process models is limited by a certain complexity, especially accounting for existing processes (retrofit).
Global optimization techniques using powerful algorithms have led to a wide range of applications to increase the efficiency of chemical processes.