A method for flexibility analysis of continuous processing plants

Abstract

A methodology has been developed for the analysis of operational flexibility of a continuous processing plant. An application has been demonstrated for a multipurpose plant with uncertain operating conditions. A practical flexibility analysis procedure using a direct search optimization algorithm is proposed to solve the problem. The method provides a heuristic screening technique that makes it possible to avoid the exhaustive enumeration of every constraint vertex, while the direct search optimization offers a simple and effective means to identify bottlenecks. A refinery multiperiod plant problem has been investigated in order to highlight the procedures which lead to the construction of flexibility indices for each operating mode.

Impact of the chlorine value chain on the demand response potential of the chloralkali process

“…In the past, flexibility was assessed by addressing optimisation problems to determine the maximum area of the feasible operating region, see for example [28,29,30,31]. However, these approaches require rigorous process models.…”

Design of equipment modules for flexibility

“…i.e. [4][5][6][7][8] more an evaluation than a design method can become impractical and difficult to solve when considering a detailed design including many discrete design parameters…”

“…Evaluation and consideration of flexibility in design approach [10] one at a time analysis transfer of concept to equipment with larger number of design parameters is impractical A widespread approach to evaluate flexibility of a process or an equipment design is based on the flexibility index [4][5][6][7][8]. The focus of these works lies in the quantification and evaluation of flexibility in different dimensions and not on the design.…”

A methodology for flexibility analysis of process piping

“…1 Piping system is needed to be supported to prevent failure due to various loading conditions (self-weight, operating pressure, and temperature). 2,3 The main concern for designing any process plant is safety of personnel involved. Design of piping systems complying the codes, standards, or recommended practices ensures safety along with standardization of required items.…”

“…5,6 In this paper, the focus is mainly on the selection and placement of piping support. For this purpose, first the maximum permissible span calculation is carried out by considering all loading conditions through the use of equations (1) and (2). Support locations and types are then inserted and adjusted until all flexibility (displacement, stress, reaction, and nozzle) requirements are satisfied.…”