Optimization for the flexibility analysis of processes: Application to the acetone-ethanol-butanol producing process

Abstract : The design and operation of sustainable biorefineries is an important subject of research since the current environmental context makes urgent the development of robust methodologies able to design innovative industries. In this context, flexibility of distillation sequences plays a very important role. The design is based on nominal production data may imply operation infeasibilities, unsustainable operation and an energy overconsumption. This work proposes a new methodology for the flexibility analysis of chemical processes based on rigorous thermodynamic models and optimizations tools with special emphasis on purification processes in the biorefining field.