CONICET | Buscador de Institutos y Recursos Humanos

In this paper a heuristic method is presented for the simultaneous solution of the synthesis and design problems of batch plants. A detailed non linear programming (NLP) model is developed that considers a superstructure in order to represent all the configuration options for the plants. Usually similar works in this area assume as a strong constraint the use of single product campaigns. In this case, mixed campaigns are introduced so as to pose problems where this is a significant condition. Specific constraints are formulated and a resolution strategy is presented to solve the problem. This formulation is valid for multiproduct batch plants and special type of multipurpose plants where products follow different production path sharing some but not all the stages. This approach is implemented for a Torula Yeast, Brandy and Bakery Yeast production plant. In order to assess this method different mixed campaigns are modeled. Economical and synthesis, design and operational results are also reported.