Optimal production sequence and processing schedules of multiproduct batch processes for heat integration and minimum equipment costs

The production sequence and the processing schedules of multiproduct batch processes can be changed for maximum heat recovery and minimum equipment costs between batch streams. However, the modified production sequence and processing schedule may increase the production cycle time, which causes the bigger equipment sizes required in batch processes. In this study, the required equipment sizes, the production sequence and the processing times of the multiproduct batch processes are mathematically formulated for maximum heat integration and low equipment costs in a mixed integer nonlinear programming. The optimal solution of this formulation was obtained by GAMS/DICOPT programming solver. Examples are presented to show the capabilities of the model.