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44050-G9
A Network-Based Approach for the Optimization of Multipurpose Chemical Processes

Christos Maravelias, Universtiy of Wisconsin - Madison

One of the research directions of our lab is the development of new optimization methods for the production planning and scheduling of chemical processes. Production planning and scheduling applications appear both in the (typically continuous) production of high-volume chemicals, as well as in the (typically batch) processing of high-value low-volume chemicals. However, scheduling problems remain notoriously hard despite the improvements in optimization software and computer hardware. Thus, to solve realistic problems better methods are needed.

The goal of this ACS-PRF (Type G) grant is the development of novel mixed-integer programming (MIP) optimization models and solution algorithms for the optimization of batch processing. The funds provided by this grant were used to partially cover expenses for one post-doc researcher (Dr. Pradeep Prasad) and one graduate student (Arul Sundaramoorthy) whose research is in this area.

Dr. Pradeep Prasad joined our lab in Feb 2005 and left in Sep 2006 to join Cummings (http://www.cummins.com/). Pradeep developed a MIP model and solution algorithm for the optimization of aluminum production, an industrially important and challenging problem. He also developed an optimization approach for the selection, assignment and sequencing of batch tasks in multi-stage process. His work resulted in two journal papers and two conference presentations.

Arul joined our lab in Jan 2006 and is currently working on the development of models for the simultaneous batching and scheduling of multi-stage multi-product processes. Arul first developed an optimization model that accounts for variable processing times, a feature not addressed by previous approaches. Second, he developed a model that accounts for intermediate storage constraints. Third, he developed a decomposition algorithm that exploits grid computing capabilities. His work has resulted in one submitted journal paper and one conference presentation.

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