Processes integration: Multiplant complex vs multipurpose plant assessment

Abstract

This paper presents a tool for the generation and evaluation of different alternatives of product production. The importance of this approach lies in the integration of synthesis, design, operation, and scheduling decisions. When simultaneously approached, these decisions allow consideration of the relationships and effects between critical elements of the problem that are usually analyzed sequentially. Two different scenarios are modeled in order to evaluate and select which production process is convenient to develop: multipurpose plant and multiplant complex with single-product batch plants. The methodology is illustrated by an industrially motivated case study involving the production of three products: torula yeast, bakery yeast, and brandy. According to different production conditions, both scenarios are solved, and the analysis and conclusions with regards to the most favorable production scheme are reported.