Traditionally, design and control decisions are made in sequential stages over the life cycle of a chemical plant. In the design phase, the optimal operating conditions and the corresponding material and energy balance data are established mainly on the basis of economic considerations. In the subsequent step, the control systems are configured to maintain the key process conditions at the fixed nominal values. Because it is often desirable to address the operability issues at the earliest possible stage before stipulation of control schemes, the systematic incorporation of flexibility analysis in process synthesis and design has received considerable attention in recent years. This book focuses to a large extent on computation and implementation methods of deterministic performance measures, i.e., the steady-state, volumetric, dynamic and temporal flexibility indices, in various applications. The formal definitions of several available performance indices, their mathematical formulations, and the corresponding algorithms and codes are provided in sufficient detail to facilitate implementation. To show the utility of flexibility analyses, the book presents several practical case studies including membrane modules and heat-exchanger networks, solar-driven membrane distillation desalination systems, and hybrid power generation systems. It also includes MATLAB and GAMS codes.

Traditionally, design and control decisions are made in sequential stages over the life cycle of a chemical plant. In the design phase, the optimal operating conditions and the corresponding material and energy balance data are established mainly on the basis of economic considerations. In the subsequent step, the control systems are configured to maintain the key process conditions at the fixed nominal values. Because it is often desirable to address the operability issues at the earliest possible stage before stipulation of control schemes, the systematic incorporation of flexibility analysis in process synthesis and design has received considerable attention in recent years. This book focuses to a large extent on computation and implementation methods of deterministic performance measures, i.e., the steady-state, volumetric, dynamic and temporal flexibility indices, in various applications. The formal definitions of several available performance indices, their mathematical formulations, and the corresponding algorithms and codes are provided in sufficient detail to facilitate implementation. To show the utility of flexibility analyses, the book presents several practical case studies including membrane modules and heat-exchanger networks, solar-driven membrane distillation desalination systems, and hybrid power generation systems. It also includes MATLAB and GAMS codes.

Process Plant Operating Procedures presents an introduction to the theory and applications of procedure synthesis that is primarily concerned with the task of conjecturing the sequence of controller (or operator) actions needed to achieve designated operational goals in a given system. In order to facilitate practical implementation, the formal problem statement, two alternative approaches, their validation methods and a series of realistic examples are provided. The authors explore Petri nets and automata to identify the best paths leading to the specified goal of operation. The model-building methods for characterising all components in the given system, as well as the required control specifications, are explained with simple examples. The sequential control actions and the corresponding time schedule can then be identified accordingly. This book exposes practitioners to an important area of plant operations, teaching them effective approaches for procedure synthesis, enabling them to construct and solve scheduling models, and providing them with tools for simulation and validation of procedures and schedules. It is written for readers with a basic understanding of process design and control activities, and it will appeal to engineers in diverse fields with an interest in synthesizing operating procedures in process plants. Advances in Industrial Control reports and encourages the transfer of technology in control engineering. The rapid development of control technology has an impact on all areas of the control discipline. The series offers an opportunity for researchers to present an extended exposition of new work in all aspects of industrial control.

Process Plant Operating Procedures presents an introduction to the theory and applications of procedure synthesis that is primarily concerned with the task of conjecturing the sequence of controller (or operator) actions needed to achieve designated operational goals in a given system. In order to facilitate practical implementation, the formal problem statement, two alternative approaches, their validation methods and a series of realistic examples are provided. The authors explore Petri nets and automata to identify the best paths leading to the specified goal of operation. The model-building methods for characterising all components in the given system, as well as the required control specifications, are explained with simple examples. The sequential control actions and the corresponding time schedule can then be identified accordingly. This book exposes practitioners to an important area of plant operations, teaching them effective approaches for procedure synthesis, enabling them to construct and solve scheduling models, and providing them with tools for simulation and validation of procedures and schedules. It is written for readers with a basic understanding of process design and control activities, and it will appeal to engineers in diverse fields with an interest in synthesizing operating procedures in process plants. Advances in Industrial Control reports and encourages the transfer of technology in control engineering. The rapid development of control technology has an impact on all areas of the control discipline. The series offers an opportunity for researchers to present an extended exposition of new work in all aspects of industrial control.