IDEAS approach to the synthesis of globally optimal separation networks: application to chromium recovery from wastewater

摘要

In this work, we present an optimal separation network synthesis methodology within the novel Infinite DimEnsionAl State-space (IDEAS) framework. the resulting network synthesis problem is formulated as an infinite dimensional convex (linear) optimization, where the objective function is a weighted combination of the cost of utilities associated with the network operation and the capital cost of the separation units employed. The IDEAS methodology is illustrated on a chromium recycling case study. The globally optimal cost is identified and compared with that of a conventional (tree) design. The IDEAS design is less than half as expensive as the conventional tree design, exhibits no need for waste disposal, and employs a smaller number of units.