Optimal design and retrofit of batch plants with a periodic mode of operation

This paper presents a generic and detailed formulation for the optimal design and retrofit of multipurpose batch facilities operating in a periodic mode. The work appears as an extension of the design model proposed by Barbosa Póvoa and Pantelides [Barbosa Póvoa, A. P. F. D., & Pantelides, C. C. (1997), Scheduling and design of multipurpose plants using the Resource-Task Network unified framework, Computers and Chemical Engineering, 21S, S703-S708] where the Resource-Task Network (RTN) methodology was applied, but without addressing some relevant design aspects. A mathematical approach is presented for the design of all equipment structures, network circuits and the associated plant operation scheduling, applying the RTN methodology. Some simplifications are proposed to Barbosa Póvoa and Pantelides previous approach, where some tasks are treated explicitly in the modeling equations (RTN adapted). Mixed Integer Linear Programming (MILP) formulations are developed where binary variables are used to represent the operational and structural choices that have to be made. Both RTN mathematical approaches are applied to some illustrative examples. The obtained results as well as the computational statistics are analyzed.