Optimization of the operation of a gas terminal

✍ Scribed by C. Fuge; P. Eisele; B.D. Whitehead

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1988
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 461 KB
• Volume: 2
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0950-4214
• DOI: 10.1016/0950-4214(88)80020-3

✦ Synopsis

Optimal operation of complex process plants requires the assistance of computer systems for day to day operation. The application of computers in plant operation comprises: l optimization systems to define the global plant set points such as product purities keeping in mind the physical limits of plant equipment and the boundary conditions of the market for feed and products; and l advanced process control systems which help the operator to keep the plant as close to these global set points as possible.

This paper deals with the various aspects of an optimization system, which was developed for the gas terminal at Karstnr, Norway. It will be shown that, due to the complex process sequence of this plant, the wide range of feedstock quality and the numerous degrees of freedom for operation, the use of the optimization system is essential to ensure plant operation close to its physical limits at minimum operating cost. The optimization system is designed for off-line usage, but can be extended later for on-line use.