Synthesis of flexible heat exchange networks and mass exchange networks

A simple strategy is proposed for the synthesis of flexible heat exchange networks (HEN's) or mass exchange networks (MEN's) that involves expected disturbance range in the flow rates and temperatures (for HEN's) or compositions (for MEN's) of the inlet process streams. The network synthesis problem is decomposed into three main iterative steps: (1) synthesizing a network candidate with a minimum total annual cost (TAC) according to a finite number of operating conditions; (2) performing flexibility test without considering the size restrictions to verify whether the current network candidate is operable for a large number of uncertain parameters that are generated randomly within the expected operating ranges; appending test point(s) that mostly violates the constraints of the candidate network when the network configuration is proved infeasible through simulations, then returning to step (1) again to synthesize a new candidate structure; (3) considering the size restraints that have been ignored previously, executing flexibility test to the network qualified in step (2), and increasing the size of exchange units if necessary. A few iterations of these design steps may be required to secure the desirable results. Also in this paper are several numerical examples supplied to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed strategy for the synthesis of flexible heat exchange networks or mass exchange networks.     

Synthesis of heat exchange networks: A non-iterative approach

The choice of the process streams to be contacted for heat recovery is carried out by structuring the model into one displaying the well-known patternResults compare favorably with the presently available techniques and allow to handle realistically large problems.     

A systematic approach for synthesizing a low-temperature distillation system

In this paper, by combining a stochastic optimization method with a refrigeration shaft work targeting method, an approach for the synthesis of a heat integrated complex distillation system in a low-temperature process is presented. The synthesis problem is formulated as a mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem, which is solved by simulated annealing algorithm under a random procedure to explore the optimal operating parameters and the distillation sequence structure. The shaft work targeting method is used to evaluate the minimum energy cost of the corresponding separation system during the optimization without any need for a detailed design for the heat exchanger network (HEN) and the refrigeration system (RS). The method presented in the paper can dramatical y reduce the scale and complexity of the problem. A case study of ethylene cold-end separation is used to il ustrate the application of the approach. Compared with the original industrial scheme, the result is encouraging.     

Interval based MINLP superstructure synthesis of combined heat and mass exchanger networks

An interval based superstructure approach for combining the synthesis of heat and mass exchanger networks is presented in this paper. The technique involves combining the interval based MINLP superstructure (IBMS) for the synthesis of heat exchanger networks (HENs) with that of mass exchanger networks (MENs). The two networks are made to interact through the lean stream in the mass exchange network. The new approach involves the use of the lean substream concept to explore potential mass exchange temperatures. An example which involves a one-lean stream mass exchange problem alongside regeneration and hot and cold utilities is presented.     

换热器网络的两种最优综合方法的比较

大型化工生产网络中 ,由于换热器台数较多 ,因而热量分配、物流匹配、最少换热器台数的确定等较困难。本文就这几个方面对换热器网络优化中的狭点法和结构优化法进行分析比较     

Simultaneous optimization of water and heat exchange networks

This paper focuses on the simultaneous optimization of the heat-integrated water allocation networks. A mathematic model is established to illustrate the modified state-space representation of this problem. An easy logical method is employed to help identify the streams of hot or cold ones. In this model, the water exchange networks (WEN), heat exchange networks (HEN), and the interactions between the WEN and HEN combine together as one unity. Thus, the whole network can be solved at one time, which enhances the possibility to get a global optimal result. Examples from the literature and a PVC plant are analyzed to illustrate the accuracy and applicability of this method.     

Heat,mass, and work exchange networks

Heat (energy), water (mass), and work (pressure) are the most fundamental utilities for operation units in chemical plants. To reduce energy consumption and diminish environment hazards, various integration methods have been developed. The application of heat exchange networks (HENs), mass exchange networks (MENs), water allocation heat exchange networks (WAHENs) and work exchange networks (WENs) have resulted in the significant saving of energy and water. This review presents the main works related to each network. The similarities and differences of these networks are also discussed. Through comparing and discussing these different networks, this review inspires researchers to propose more efficient and convenient methods for the design of existing exchange networks and even new types of networks including multi-objective networks for the system integration in order to enhance the optimization and controllability of processes.     

超结构法分步综合热集成的质量交换网络

质量交换网络(MEN)和热交换网络(HEN)之间有较强的交互作用,传统的夹点技术很难考虑两个网络之间的相互作用。针对这一问题,采用基于分级超结构的数学规划法分步综合热集成的MEN。该方法首先分析了连接两个网络的关键参数,将其离散化处理后组合成多个备选方案,然后对每个备选方案采用分步策略。第一步,用超结构法以总年度费用(TAC)最小为目标综合MEN;第二步,从第一步的结果中抽提出HEN综合所需数据,通过求解基于HEN超结构的非线性规划(NLP)模型,得到优化的HEN总年度费用。加和两步中的TAC结果得到该方案下两个网络的总费用,通过比较所有备选方案下的总网络TAC,以总网络TAC最小的方案为最佳方案。与文献中例子比较,表明本方法具有更好的可行性和有效性。     

A green chemistry approach for synthesizing biocompatible gold nanoparticles

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are a fascinating class of nanomaterial that can be used for a wide range of biomedical applications, including bio-imaging, lateral flow assays, environmental detection and purification, data storage, drug delivery, biomarkers, catalysis, chemical sensors, and DNA detection. Biological synthesis of nanoparticles appears to be simple, cost-effective, non-toxic, and easy to use for controlling size, shape, and stability, which is unlike the chemically synthesized nanoparticles. The aim of this study was to synthesize homogeneous AuNPs using pharmaceutically important Ganoderma spp. We developed a simple, non-toxic, and green method for water-soluble AuNP synthesis by treating gold (III) chloride trihydrate (HAuCl₄) with a hot aqueous extract of the Ganoderma spp. mycelia. The formation of biologically synthesized AuNPs (bio-AuNPs) was characterized by ultraviolet (UV)-visible absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, the biocompatibility of as-prepared AuNPs was evaluated using a series of assays, such as cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase leakage, and reactive oxygen species generation (ROS) in human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). The color change of the solution from yellow to reddish pink and strong surface plasmon resonance were observed at 520 nm using UV-visible spectroscopy, and that indicated the formation of AuNPs. DLS analysis revealed the size distribution of AuNPs in liquid solution, and the average size of AuNPs was 20 nm. The size and morphology of AuNPs were investigated using TEM. The biocompatibility effect of as-prepared AuNPs was investigated in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells by using various concentrations of AuNPs (10 to 100 μM) for 24 h. Our findings suggest that AuNPs are non-cytotoxic and biocompatible. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to describe the synthesis of monodispersed, biocompatible, and soluble AuNPs with an average size of 20 nm using Ganoderma spp. This study opens up new possibilities of using an inexpensive and non-toxic mushroom extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent for the synthesis of size-controlled, large-scale, biocompatible, and monodispersed AuNPs, which may have future diagnostic and therapeutic applications.     

Optimal design of batch mass exchange networks with multipurpose exchange units

A novel mathematical model for simultaneous optimization of batch mass exchange networks with multipurpose mass exchange units that can be shared by more than one match in different periods is presented in this work. It can be shown that both utility cost and capital investment can be reduced simultaneously with the use of multipurpose mass exchangers and mass storage tanks. Specifically, state-space superstructure that does not contain any structural simplification is proposed to capture the entire characteristics of the network configuration and a mixed-integer nonlinear optimization model is then formulated accordingly to generate the optimal batch operating policies and the corresponding flowsheet. Two examples are presented in this paper to demonstrate the validity and advantages of the proposed approach.     

The P-graph approach for systematic synthesis of wastewater treatment networks

Wastewater treatment consists of three or four sequential stages: preliminary, primary, secondary, and tertiary. Each stage can comprise multiple alternative technologies that can perform the same tasks with different efficiencies, operating times, and costs. Thus, we propose a systematic approach for designing wastewater treatment networks by utilizing principles of mathematical modeling and generating an exhaustive enumeration of all the possible technologies and their connections during the early stages of designing a treatment facility. Some of these structures are nonintuitive and include recycling, reprocessing, bypasses, and multiple technologies in parallel or series to remove the same contaminant. The nonintuitive structures with multiple technologies may provide a measure of resilience compared to typical heuristic designs. Thus, the combination of P-graph methodology and the sequence of treatment technologies predicted via the optimization algorithm from the maximal structure is based on holistic considerations and does not lead to suboptimal solutions.     

A controlled approach for synthesizing CdTe quantum dots polyamidoamine nanocomposites

We develop a controllable approach to prepare ordered–CdTe quantum dots (QDs) polyamidoamine (PAMAM) nanocomposites (NCPs) by self-assembly growth of simple CdTe– PAMAM in aqueous solution. The sphere and network CdTe NCPs were obtained at pH 4.7 for growing 15 h and 79 h respectively. As the NCPs ceased growing over pH 8 immediately, we can conveniently control their size and morphology by adjusting pH of the solution to tune the growth time. The morphology change of CdTe-PAMAM nanocomposites was characterized by TEM images. The fluorescent intensity and photostability of ordered–CdTe–PAMAM have been improved significantly.     

Nonlinear coupled heat and mass exchange in a cross-flow regenerator

Simultaneous heat and mass exchange in a cross-flow regenerator has been formulated using Schumann's model. A generalized equilibrium relationship at the gas—solid interface led to a non-linear coupling between the heat and mass transfer processes. The Green's matrix, obtained for the problem of heat transfer alone, has been used to set up integral equations to represent this problem of nonlinear coupled heat and mass exchange. A numerical scheme has been developed for solving the resulting system of multidimensional, nonlinear, Volterra-type integral equations using a modified block-by-block method.It is shown that cross-cooled dehumidifiers can be both smaller and require less power than corresponding adiabatic exchangers.     

Simulation of mass exchange networks using modified genetic algorithms

The optimum water usage network leads to both a minimum of freshwater consumption and a minimum of generated wastewater. This work is to develop a mass-exchange networks (MENs) module for a minimum freshwater usage target. This module works as an interface to retrieve supplemental data of chemical processes from a process simulator and to communicate this to the genetic algorithm optimizer. A reuse system and a regeneration/recyclingsystem with a single contaminant are considered as approaches for freshwater minimization. In the formulated model, as mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP), all of the variables are divided into independent and dependent variables. The values of independent variables come from randomization, whereas the values of dependent variables come from simultaneous solutions of a set of equality constraints after assigning the values of independent variables. This method is applied to the steps of initialization, crossover and mutation. The MENs module is validated with a tricresylphosphate process consisting of five unit operations. Water is used to remove a fixed content of cresol. From the result, the module gives a reliable solution for freshwater minimization, which can satisfy mass balance and constraints. The results show that reuse and regeneration/recycling strategies can reduce freshwater consumption, including wastewater generated. Reuse cannot decrease the mass load of the contaminant, while regeneration/recycling can. In addition, regeneration requires less freshwater than the reuse process.     

Interval based MINLP superstructure synthesis of mass exchange networks

A new simultaneous synthesis approach for mass exchange networks (MENs) is presented. The technique is adapted from the interval based mixed integer non-linear program (MINLP) superstructure (IBMS) synthesis of heat exchanger networks (HENs). The superstructure interval boundary compositions are defined by the supply and target compositions of either the rich or lean set of streams. Each rich and lean stream in the superstructure has the potential of exchanging mass with streams of opposite kind in each interval based on mass transfer feasibility. The model harnesses the strengths of the stagewise superstructure and the pinch technology methods for mass exchange network synthesis (MENS). The IBMS approach simultaneously trades-off the capital and operating costs for MENs. The superstructure composition interval defining approach introduced in this paper enforces the mixing of split streams at equal compositions, hence there is no need to include mixing equations in the model. Fixing the interval boundaries helps to eliminate the complexities involved in initialisations, thus the region of search for the optimum solution is reduced. The IBMS model is applied to MENS problems involving continuous contact and staged columns. It is also extended to problems involving multiple mass separating agents (MSAs) and regeneration. The results obtained compare well with those in the literature.     

A grid-based facilities allocation approach with safety and optimal heat exchanger networks synthesis

A new approach is presented to determine optimal layout of facilities where toxic releases may occur in an existing or new facility. The land area is divided in equally sized rectangular grids, where each grid contains up to one facility surrounded by streets. Some facilities may produce hot and/or cold streams and the associated heat exchangers network (HEN) is simultaneously optimized with the layout problem. The three dimensions of geographical allocation points for each generated stream are included in the model. No additional cost for geographical allocation of heating and cooling services is considered since every facility is expected to contain these services regardless of their use in the HEN. The toxic effect is estimated via probit functions and its associated risk reduction results in providing safety to the combined HEN-facility layout problem. The grid-based allocation eliminates numerical difficulties appearing with conventional non-overlapping and Euclidian distance equations.     

A life-cycle approach for model reuse and exchange

This paper discusses a formalism in which plant, processes and products are represented as structural, behavioral, and operational interrelated objects. A metamodel approach based on this paradigm is exploited to develop a simulation model representation that supports model exchange with varying level of detail and coarseness. This work evaluates Modelica as an interchange modeling language to represent equation-models in this context.     

基于经济学观点确定换热网络传热温差

从分析和经济学的角度提出了确定换热网络最小传热温差的方法。在基于夹点技术温焓图的基础上,把冷、热公用工程物流的基本属性同工艺物流的组合曲线一起标示于温焓图上,组成平衡组合曲线。对平衡冷、热组合曲线进行分段积分,较精确地求取换热网络传热过程的损失。以损费用代替公用工程的能耗费用作为操作费用,确定经济目标函数,用以计算最佳的传热温差。该方法为合理地降低能源消耗指明了方向,同时揭示了能量在过程系统中演变和变化的本质。     

新型膜蒸馏传质回热的吸收式制冷循环

提出了传质回热吸收式制冷循环,该循环在溶液回热过程中引入膜蒸馏技术,将传统吸收式制冷循环中的溶液等浓度回热过程转变为溶液变浓度回热过程。同传统吸收式制冷循环相比,该循环的发生过程向低温区移动,这对于低品位热能的利用以及提高吸收式制冷装置的热效率具有重要意义。传质回热器采用直接接触式膜蒸馏传质传热技术是可行的,传质回热吸收式制冷的理论循环与理想循环的偏差是由膜蒸馏传质回热器膜两侧溶液的蒸汽压差和膜导热引起的。