ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the use of optimization tools available in the process simulator Aspen® Plus. Among such tools, it describes optimization through sensitivity analysis. Aspen Plus solves optimization problems iteratively. By default, Aspen Plus generates and sequences a convergence block for the optimization problem. Sensitivity analysis is a tool helpful to determine how a process reacts to varying key operating and design variables. The Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP) method is a state-of-the-art, quasi-Newton nonlinear programming algorithm. It can converge tear streams, equality constraints, and inequality constraints simultaneously using the optimization problem. Once the initial simulation for the exchanger is successfully obtained, the optimization procedure takes place. The chapter presents the optimization of the flash drum using the SQP method. The default optimization convergence procedure in Aspen Plus converges tear streams and the optimization problem simultaneously using the SQP method.
