Linear Programming Applied to Production Planning and Operation of a Chemical Process

To employ linear programming in production-planning problems in the chemical industry it is often necessary to make a linear model of plant which seems highly non-linear. An approach with some generality is described that reasonably combines accuracy and economy. Next, the hierarchy of planning leve...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Operational research quarterly (1970) 1970-03, Vol.21 (1), p.61-80
Main Author: Royce, N. J.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analytical forecasting
Catalysts
Chemical processes
Linear models
Linear programming
Liquids
Mathematical constants
Raw materials
Teeth
Waste byproducts
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:To employ linear programming in production-planning problems in the chemical industry it is often necessary to make a linear model of plant which seems highly non-linear. An approach with some generality is described that reasonably combines accuracy and economy. Next, the hierarchy of planning levels around a chemical plant is considered from investment planning through to process operation. This highlights difficulties, inherent in on-line computer optimizing proposals, that are often played down. In short, the considerations which have most influence on determining optimum operating conditions are shown to have little to do with the instantaneous state of the chemical process. Given that perfection is unattainable it is argued that in some cases the best way to run chemical plant is infrequent off-line optimization leading to plans whose feasibility is maintained in the short term with very little calculation if the right sort of linear process model exists.
ISSN:0030-3623
DOI:10.2307/3007719