A Practical Guide to Chemical Process Optimization: Analysis of a Styrene Plant

Phelps, Fleur (2016) A Practical Guide to Chemical Process Optimization: Analysis of a Styrene Plant. Undergraduate thesis, under the direction of Adam Smith from Chemical Engineering, University of Mississippi.

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Abstract

This report acts as a beginner’s guide to chemical processes optimization. Performed universally, optimization merely entails improving an existing process, situation, device or system. For a chemical engineer, optimization typically aims to maximize potential economics of a chemical process by manipulating decision variables while staying within known constraints. In order to maximize the overall economics of a chemical process, individual equipment or stream conditions are examined. The chemical process is implemented in simulation software The optimization of individual components of the process may aim to maximize or minimize an outcome specific to that component, but still ultimately maximizes economic potential. An engineer must determine how each component of the process ultimately impacts the overall economic potential. Upon initial analysis of a chemical process, optimization can seem overwhelming. This report first defines, explains and exemplifies all the nomenclature used to develop, solve and evaluate optimization. This is follow by identification and analysis of the two types of optimization. This knowledge allows for final development of a generalized approach to chemical process optimization, including a specific and complete optimization example. All included examples focus on a specific chemical process designed for styrene production.

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