Optimization-based design of reactive distillation columns using a memetic algorithm

The design optimization of reactive distillation columns (RDC) is characterized by complex nonlinear constraints, nonlinear cost functions, and the presence of many local optima. The standard approach is to use MINLP solvers that work on a superstructure formulation where structural decisions are represented by discrete variables and lead to an exponential increase in the computational effort. The mathematical programming (MP) methods which solve the continuous sub-problems provide only one local optimum which depends strongly on the initialization. In this contribution a memetic algorithm (MA) is introduced and applied to the global optimization of four different formulations of a computational demanding real-world design problem. An evolution strategy addresses the global optimization of the design decisions, while continuous sub-problems are efficiently solved by a robust MP solver. The MA is compared to MINLP techniques. It is the only algorithm that finds the global solution in reasonable times for all model formulations.

[1]  Günter Rudolph,et al.  An Evolutionary Algorithm for Integer Programming , 1994, PPSN.

[2]  Robert S. Huss,et al.  Multiple steady states in reactive distillation: kinetic effects , 2002 .

[3]  Johan Grievink,et al.  Designing reactive distillation processes: present and future , 2004, Comput. Chem. Eng..

[4]  David E. Goldberg,et al.  Genetic Algorithms in Search Optimization and Machine Learning , 1988 .

[5]  Sebastian Engell,et al.  Structuring of reactive distillation columns for non-ideal mixtures using MINLP-techniques , 2004 .

[6]  Pablo Moscato,et al.  On Evolution, Search, Optimization, Genetic Algorithms and Martial Arts : Towards Memetic Algorithms , 1989 .

[7]  I. Grossmann,et al.  ADVANCES IN MATHEMATICAL PROGRAMMING FOR THE SYNTHESIS OF PROCESS SYSTEMS , 1999 .

[8]  H. P. Schwefel,et al.  Numerische Optimierung von Computermodellen mittels der Evo-lutionsstrategie , 1977 .

[9]  Ingo Rechenberg,et al.  Evolutionsstrategie : Optimierung technischer Systeme nach Prinzipien der biologischen Evolution , 1973 .

[10]  Arthur Westerberg,et al.  A retrospective on design and process synthesis , 2004, Comput. Chem. Eng..

[11]  Hans-Paul Schwefel,et al.  Evolution strategies – A comprehensive introduction , 2002, Natural Computing.

[12]  E. Heller.  An international journal. , 1968, Canadian Medical Association journal.

[13]  Ulrich Hoffmann,et al.  Kinetics of methyl tertiary butyl ether liquid phase synthesis catalyzed by ion exchange resin—I. Intrinsic rate expression in liquid phase activities , 1990 .

[14]  David Kendrick,et al.  GAMS, a user's guide , 1988, SGNM.

[15]  Johann Stichlmair,et al.  Mixed-Integer Nonlinear Programming Optimization of Reactive Distillation Processes , 2001 .

[16]  Amy R. Ciric,et al.  Synthesis of nonequilibrium reactive distillation processes by MINLP optimization , 1994 .

[17]  Michael F. Malone,et al.  Conceptual design of distillation systems , 2001 .

[18]  Ignacio E. Grossmann,et al.  Systematic Methods of Chemical Process Design , 1997 .

[19]  Johan Grievink,et al.  Optimal design and sensitivity analysis of reactive distillation units using collocation models , 2001 .

[20]  Sebastian Engell,et al.  A Memetic Algorithm for Global Optimization in Chemical Process Synthesis Problems , 2009, IEEE Transactions on Evolutionary Computation.

[21]  Arne Stolbjerg Drud,et al.  CONOPT - A Large-Scale GRG Code , 1994, INFORMS J. Comput..

[22]  Sebastian Engell,et al.  Model-based design, control and optimisation of catalytic distillation processes , 2004 .

[23]  John H. Holland,et al.  Adaptation in Natural and Artificial Systems: An Introductory Analysis with Applications to Biology, Control, and Artificial Intelligence , 1992 .

[24]  Sebastian Engell,et al.  Modellierungsansätze für die Design-Optimierung von reaktiven Rektifikationskolonnen , 2008 .

[25]  Henner Schmidt-Traub,et al.  Integrated reaction and separation operations : modelling and experimental validation , 2006 .

[26]  V. Agreda,et al.  High-purity methyl acetate via reactive distillation , 1990 .

[27]  Ignacio E. Grossmann,et al.  A disjunctive programming approach for the optimal design of reactive distillation columns , 2001 .

[28]  W. Vent,et al.  Rechenberg, Ingo, Evolutionsstrategie — Optimierung technischer Systeme nach Prinzipien der biologischen Evolution. 170 S. mit 36 Abb. Frommann‐Holzboog‐Verlag. Stuttgart 1973. Broschiert , 1975 .

[29]  Lawrence J. Fogel,et al.  Artificial Intelligence through Simulated Evolution , 1966 .

[30]  Jeffrey J. Siirola,et al.  Process synthesis prospective , 2004, Comput. Chem. Eng..