ABSTRACT
Optimization problems can be classified in terms of the type of mathematical relationships on the model, which can be algebraic or differential/integro-differential. Optimization problems can also be classified in terms of the type of variables and the type of equations in the model. A problem may consist only of integer variables, continuous variables, or a combination of continuous and integer variables. The objective function is the heart of an optimization problem, since it is the function that should be minimized or maximized. Engineering systems are typically good candidates for optimization, owing to its high number of degrees of freedom. Furthermore, the equations modeling such systems are typically nonlinear and may involve both algebraic and differential relationships. In the modern process optimization methods, the entire mathematical models for different process equipment contained in the process simulators are linked with optimization software in order to use formal strategies and reach the best designs in terms of given objective functions.
