Identifying the optimal design of a single chemical process to be implemented in an existing multipurpose batch plant by the use of Tabu Search

Abstract Chemical batch processes are typically used for the production of specialty chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Due to the still growing importance of this type of processing, design methods are required that take account of the special requirements and constraints in the corresponding production facilities. We developed a method that optimizes the design of a single chemical process to be implemented in an existing multipurpose batch plant, in which a well-defined set of equipment units is available for realizing this process. The method takes advantage of all details and existing constraints such as equipment specifications, design constraints, and process requirements. Based on pre-defined rules (representing heuristics) and options selected by the user, specified operating instructions for a chemical process to be designed are automatically analyzed with regard to design requirements and constraints. We considered multiple objectives and chose to implement a Tabu Search algorithm for the identification of the optimal and several near-optimal designs. Two case studies for different problem settings are used for demonstrating the functionalities of the method and the results that are obtained from it. The method proved to be a quickly applicable and reliable tool for implementing a chemical process in an existing multipurpose batch plant.