The design of distillation columns often considers a given fixed feedstock and nominal operating conditions. Here we present an optimization-based approach for the optimal design of these units considering a flexible operation under a range of potential feedstocks. Our method combines an artificial neural network with a support vector machine to model the crude oil distillation unit. The artificial neural network model predicts the performance of the distillation unit for a given crude oil feedstock whilst the support vector machine classifier filters out infeasible design alternatives from the solution space (i.e., designs that are unlikely to converge when simulated using a rigorous model). The inputs to the artificial neural network include the column structural variables and operating conditions, whilst the outputs are process variables linked to the column performance. The artificial neural network models and support vector machines constructed for different crude oil feedstocks are integrated into a two-stage optimization framework in order to optimize the column structural variables and operating conditions, where the minimum utility demand is estimated using the pinch analysis. An effective solution strategy that combines stochastic and deterministic optimization algorithms is applied to search for economically viable and flexible design alternatives that can operate over a given range of crude oil feedstocks while satisfying the product quality specifications. The capabilities of the proposed approach are illustrated using an industrially-relevant case study, where we clearly show that the proposed approach can identify design alternatives capable of handling various feedstocks effectively.

蒸馏塔的设计通常考虑给定的固定原料和标称操作条件。在这里，我们考虑到在一系列潜在原料下的灵活操作，提出了一种基于优化的方法来优化这些装置。我们的方法将人工神经网络与支持向量机结合起来，对原油蒸馏单元进行建模。人工神经网络模型可预测给定原油原料的蒸馏装置的性能，同时支持向量机分类器可从解决方案空间中滤除不可行的设计替代方案（即，使用严格模型进行仿真时不太可能收敛的设计）。人工神经网络的输入包括柱结构变量和操作条件，而输出是与色谱柱性能相关的过程变量。将针对不同原油原料构建的人工神经网络模型和支持向量机集成到两阶段优化框架中，以优化塔的结构变量和运行条件，在此情况下，使用捏合分析估算最小的公用事业需求。结合了随机和确定性优化算法的有效解决方案策略可用于寻找经济可行且灵活的设计替代方案，这些方案可在给定范围内的原油原料上运行，同时满足产品质量规格。通过与行业相关的案例研究说明了所建议方法的功能，