The synthesis of multistep process plant configurations

A framework for generating and optimizing chemical plant process connectivi ty is presented. The method addresses plant synthesis and analysis for mult istep processes, processes where multiple reactions occur in both series an d parallel, and where interstitial separation operations may be required. T he method is tailored for the initial stages of process design, whereupon l imited development of the process flowsheet has occurred, and estimation of plant economic viability is required. The chemical process is modeled as a n interconnected graph linking chemical component nodes to operating sectio ns. A mixed integer non linear program is utilized to obtain 'best' flowshe et configurations with initial mass balances and estimations for reactor pa rameters. The method is illustrated by examining large scale continuous pro cesses, with the hydrodealkylation of toluene (HDA) process and a multistag e chloromethanes process presented as case studies. (C) 1999 Elsevier Scien ce Ltd. All rights reserved.