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Optimal selection of intermediate storage tank capacity in a periodic batch/semicontinuous process
Author(s) -
Karimi I. A.,
Reklaitis G. V.
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
aiche journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.958
H-Index - 167
eISSN - 1547-5905
pISSN - 0001-1541
DOI - 10.1002/aic.690290411
Subject(s) - process (computing) , upstream (networking) , process engineering , selection (genetic algorithm) , storage tank , rule of thumb , control theory (sociology) , computer science , mathematics , engineering , waste management , algorithm , computer network , control (management) , artificial intelligence , operating system
Batch/semicontinuous chemical plants are usually designed either by assuming infinite intermediate storage or by assuming that the units themselves act as storage vessels, while the storage vessels are sized by rules of thumb or experience. In this paper, the case of an intermediate storage vessel which links one upstream batch/semicontinuous unit to one downstream batch/semicontinuous unit is analyzed. The units are assumed to operate with fixed cycle times and capacities. Expressions for determining the minimum storage tank capacity necessary to decouple the two units are derived from a mathematical model of the periodic process. Effects of the relative starting times of the two units on the required storage capacity are determined, thus suggesting the optimum process timings to minimize the same. Application of the results is illustrated by an example.