Optimization of a Chemical Production Facility: A study of operating conditions, equipment sizing, and economics of an ethylbenzene production plant.

Peng, Xi (2015) Optimization of a Chemical Production Facility: A study of operating conditions, equipment sizing, and economics of an ethylbenzene production plant. Undergraduate thesis, under the direction of Adam E. Smith from Chemical Engineering, University of Mississippi.

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Abstract

Economics of a chemical plant depend on multiple factors: grade of a feed, types of catalyst, operating temperature and pressure, cost of equipment, and many other factors could have influences on economics of the plant. In a previous study about an ethylbenzene facility, our team scrutinize two proposed changes. An optimization plan is recommended by our team in order to maximize the net present value (NPV) of the plant. This report focuses on demonstrating rationales of setting certain operating conditions, showcasing the details of optimization, and elucidating the reasons behind applying these modifications. The team used simulating software PRO/-II to investigate various changes applied, and used CAPCOST for economic estimation. Even though any plant in the real world cannot be perfect, our result is a good starting point for more comprehensive and precise design. After the investigation, we conclude that reaction section, cooling section, recycle, and separating section can be optimized in order to keep the plant working in a highly efficient and effective manner. By manipulating operating conditions and equipment sizing, the entire plant is simplified and the ethylbenzene production process becomes more efficient than the original process. Furthermore, the net present value of the plant is increased dramatically, post-optimization.

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