Superstructure Optimization of Petroleum Refinary Design : Processing Alternatives for Vacuum GaS Oil Produced from Distillation Unit

• Main Author: Ahmed Mohamed Elsiedig Elimam, Ahmed Mohamed
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Teknologi Petronas 2009
• Subjects: TP Chemical technology
• Online Access: http://utpedia.utp.edu.my/501/1/ahmed_mohamed_elsiedieg_elimam.pdf; http://utpedia.utp.edu.my/501/
• Institution: Universiti Teknologi Petronas

The objective of this research project is to develop an optimization-based mathematical model in the form of a mixed-integer linear program (MILP) for determining the optimal configuration of a petroleum refinery. The optimization model serves as a decision support system taking into consideration the relevant engineering knowledge and the past design experience. The scope of work of this project focuses on the strategies and approaches for the optimal design of a petroleum refinery configuration for vacuum gas oil processing using mathematical programming in order to select the most economical and cost-efficient process route. The approach involves the development of a superstructure representation in which all feasible processing alternatives and routes for vacuum gas oil are considered. Subsequently, the associated constraints and a suitable cost minimization objective function are formulated to arrive at the optimal solution in terms of the optimal process units to be selected and the corresponding optimal flowrates of the material streams. Linear yield-based material balances are considered in the model constraints by obtaining representative yield values from the literature. Logical constraints in the form of logic cuts for stipulating the selection or no-selection of the process units (tasks) and material streams (states) are included in the optimization model formulation to further define the feasible region of solutions based on the relevant design specifications and the interconnectivity relationships among the nodes of states and tasks in the superstructure. Computational experiments are carried out by implementing the model on GAMS. A numerical example with a hypothetical set of product demands is illustrated, which is solved to optimality using GAMS, resulting in a practically-viable optimal refinery configuration that agrees well with real-world scenario