Process Optimization and Scheduling of Parallel Furnaces Shutdown in Large - Scale Plants

ERICA P. SCHULZ; J. ALBERTO BANDONI; M. SOLEDAD DIAZ

Computer Aided Chemical Engineering

Elsevier

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2006 vol. 21 p. 1833 - 1838

1570-7946

In this work, a cyclic multiperiod Mixed Integer Nonlinear Programming (MINLP) model is proposed for the scheduling of parallel furnaces shutdowns in an ethylene plant. The entire plant has been modelled through linear and nonlinear functions. Furnaces decaying performance is modeled through coils internal roughness and heat load to furnaces, which are linearly dependent on operation time. Two sets of binary variables are associated to shutdowns and time dependent variables. The model determines not only the optimal shutdown schedule, but main plant operating variable profiles throughout the time horizon and the inventory management to satisfy time varying product demands