Robust optimization of stiff delayed systems: application to a fluid catalytic cracking unit

Abstract

We apply a robust steady state optimization method for stiff delay differential equations to the economic optimization of a fluidized catalytic cracking unit. Stiff systems of differential equations appear in this case due to the different time scales in the gas and fluid phase. Delays result from the catalyst hold-ups in the standpipes connecting riser and regenerator. We show that the proposed robust optimization method can cope with stiffness and delays. Moreover, the proposed method is capable of simultaneously optimizing the process parameters and tuning controller parameters.

Computational prediction of green fuels from crude palm oil in fluid catalytic cracking riser

“…In the past few decades, there has been consistent advancement in FCC technology. This process breaks down the larger hydrocarbon molecules into smaller ones and producing valuable products (Miao et al, 2021;Otten-Weinschenker and Mönnigmann, 2022). The FCC has three main reactors, namely the riser, stripper, and regenerator, with the riser being the primary reactor where the catalytic cracking reaction occurs (Selalame et al, 2023).…”