23rd European Symposium on Computer Aided Process Engineering

A Multiproduct Feedstock Optimization Model for Polymer Production

Pablo A. Marchetti^a, Ignacio E. Grossmann^a, Wiley Bucey^b and Rita A. Majewski^b,    ^aCarnegie Mellon University, Chemical Engineering Dept., Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA, ^bBraskem America, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA

Abstract

In this work a nonlinear mathematical programming model seeking the optimal balance of feedstocks to manufacture multiple polymer grades in a polypropylene production facility is described. To obtain the best possible return on assets, this type of continuous plant usually operates at maximum capacity while attempting to reduce the production costs. The main units of the process are a distillation column and a polymerization reactor, for which approximate but ...