Introduction to Aspen Plus

Optimization

Optimization
Introduction to Aspen Plus

2003 AspenTech. All Rights Reserved.

Lesson Objectives
Introduce the optimization capability in Aspen Plus

Aspen Plus References: User Guide, Chapter 22, Optimization Related Topics: User Guide , Chapter 17, Convergence User Guide, Chapter 18, Accessing Flowsheet Variables
2003 AspenTech. All Rights Reserved.

2003 AspenTech. All Rights Reserved.

22 1

Aspen Technology, Inc.

Introduction to Aspen Plus

Optimization

Optimization
Used to maximize/minimize an objective function Objective function is expressed in terms of flowsheet variables and In-Line Fortran Optimization can have zero or more constraints Constraints can be equalities or inequalities Optimization is located under /Data/Model Analysis Tools/Optimization Constraint specification is under /Data/Model Analysis Tools/Constraint

2003 AspenTech. All Rights Reserved.

Optimization Example (1)

For an existing reactor, find the reactor temperature and inlet amount of reactant A that maximizes the profit from this reactor. The reactor can only handle a maximum cooling load of Q.
A, B
FEED

A+B C+D+E

REACTOR

Desired Product C By-product D Waste Product E

$ 1.30 /lb $ 0.11 /lb $ - 0.20 /lb

PRODUCT

A, B, C, D, E

2003 AspenTech. All Rights Reserved.

2003 AspenTech. All Rights Reserved.

22 2

Aspen Technology, Inc.

Introduction to Aspen Plus

Optimization

Optimization Example (2)

What are the measured (sampled) variables?
Outlet flowrates of components C, D, E

What is the objective function to be maximized?

Maximize 1.30*(lb/hr C) + 0.11*(lb/hr D) - 0.20*(lb/hr E)

What is the constraint?

The calculated duty of the reactor can not exceed Q.

What are the manipulated (varied) variables?

Reactor temperature Inlet amount of reactant A

2003 AspenTech. All Rights Reserved.

Steps for Using Optimization (1)

1. Identify measured (sampled) variables.

These are the flowsheet variables used to calculate the objective function (Define sheet).

2. Specify objective function (expression).

This is the Fortran expression that will be maximized or minimized (Objective & Constraints sheet).

3. Specify maximization or minimization of objective function (Objective & Constraints sheet).

2003 AspenTech. All Rights Reserved.

2003 AspenTech. All Rights Reserved.

22 3

Aspen Technology, Inc.

Introduction to Aspen Plus

Optimization

Steps for Using Optimization (2)

4. Specify constraints (optional).

These are the constraints used during the optimization (Objective & Constraints sheet).

5. Specify manipulated (varied) variables.

These are the variables that the optimization block will change to maximize/minimize the objective function (Vary sheet).

6. Specify bounds for manipulated (varied) variables.

These are the lower and upper bounds within which to vary the manipulated variable (Vary sheet).

2003 AspenTech. All Rights Reserved.

Notes (1)
1. The convergence of the optimization can be sensitive to the initial values of the manipulated variables. 2. It is best if the objective, the constraints, and the manipulated variables are in the range of 1 to 100. This can be accomplished by simply multiplying or dividing the function. 3. The optimization algorithm only finds local maxima and minima in the objective function. It is theoretically possible to obtain a different maximum/ minimum in the objective function, in some cases, by starting at a different point in the solution space.

2003 AspenTech. All Rights Reserved.

2003 AspenTech. All Rights Reserved.

22 4

Aspen Technology, Inc.

Introduction to Aspen Plus

Optimization

Notes (2)
4. Equality constraints within an optimization are similar to design specifications. 5. If an optimization does not converge, run sensitivity studies with the same manipulated variables as the optimization, to ensure that the objective function is not discontinuous with respect to any of the manipulated variables. 6. Optimization blocks also have convergence blocks associated with them. Any general techniques used with convergence blocks can be used if the optimization does not converge.

2003 AspenTech. All Rights Reserved.

Optimization Workshop (1)

Objective: Optimize steam usage for a process.
This flowsheet is part of a Dichloro-Methane solvent recovery system. The two flashes, TOWER1 and TOWER2, are run adiabatically at 19.7 and 18.7 psia respectively. The stream FEED contains 1400 lb/hr of Dichloro-Methane and 98600 lb/hr of water at 100F and 24 psia. Set up the simulation as shown below, and minimize the total usage of steam in streams STEAM1 and STEAM2, both of which contain saturated steam at 200 psia. The maximum allowable concentration of Dichloro-Methane in the stream EFFLUENT from TOWER2 is 150 ppm (mass) to within a tolerance of a tenth of a ppm. Use the NRTL Property Method. Use bounds of 1000 lb/hr to 20000 lb/hr for the flowrate of the two steam streams. Make sure stream flows are reported in mass flow and mass fraction units before running. Refer to the Notes slides for some hints on the previous page if there are problems converging the optimization.
2003 AspenTech. All Rights Reserved.

2003 AspenTech. All Rights Reserved.

22 5

Aspen Technology, Inc.

Introduction to Aspen Plus

Optimization

Optimization Workshop (2)

TOP1 Saturated steam at 200 psia STEAM1 FEED 100F , 24 psia 1400 lb/hr Dichloromethane 98600 lb/hr Water

TOWER1
Adiabatic 19.7 psia TOP2

TOWER2
BOT1 STEAM2 Saturated steam at 200 psia EFFLUENT Adiabatic 18.7 psia

Use the NRTL Property Method

Save as filename: OPT.bkp

2003 AspenTech. All Rights Reserved.

2003 AspenTech. All Rights Reserved.

22 6

Aspen Technology, Inc.