Synthesis of Reactor/Separator Networks by the Conflict-based Analysis Approach

Abstract This paper presents a conflict-based analysis approach for the synthesis of reactor/separator superstructure towards the improvement of the quality and efficiency of the mathematical programming optimisation. A three-level hierarchical procedure is proposed for carrying out a combined method from the qualitative stage to the quantative optimisation stage. In the first stage, there is the systematic formulation of the superstructure on the basis of multi objective conflicts analysis and phenomena-relationship structure abstraction. It has an important potential for gaining a more efficient solution in the next stage of mathematical optimisation. The proposed approach is illustrated with the synthesis of the hydrodealkylation of toluene (HDA) process.