Simulation-Optimization Framework for Synthesis and Design of Natural Gas Downstream Utilization Networks
Many potential diversification and conversion options are available for utilization of natural gas resources, and several design configurations and technology choices exist for conversion of natural gas to value-added products. Therefore, a detailed mathematical model is desirable for selection of o...
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doaj-2ecc8aa49c314072896cf8463710b7cf2020-11-25T00:18:54ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732018-02-0111236210.3390/en11020362en11020362Simulation-Optimization Framework for Synthesis and Design of Natural Gas Downstream Utilization NetworksSaad A. Al-Sobhi0Ali Elkamel1Fatih S. Erenay2Munawar A. Shaik3Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, CanadaDepartment of Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, CanadaDepartment of Management Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, CanadaDepartment of Chemical Engineering, The Petroleum Institute, Khalifa University of Science & Technology, Abu Dhabi 2533, UAEMany potential diversification and conversion options are available for utilization of natural gas resources, and several design configurations and technology choices exist for conversion of natural gas to value-added products. Therefore, a detailed mathematical model is desirable for selection of optimal configuration and operating mode among the various options available. In this study, we present a simulation-optimization framework for the optimal selection of economic and environmentally sustainable pathways for natural gas downstream utilization networks by optimizing process design and operational decisions. The main processes (e.g., LNG, GTL, and methanol production), along with different design alternatives in terms of flow-sheeting for each main processing unit (namely syngas preparation, liquefaction, N2 rejection, hydrogen, FT synthesis, methanol synthesis, FT upgrade, and methanol upgrade units), are used for superstructure development. These processes are simulated using ASPEN Plus V7.3 to determine the yields of different processing units under various operating modes. The model has been applied to maximize total profit of the natural gas utilization system with penalties for environmental impact, represented by CO2eq emission obtained using ASPEN Plus for each flowsheet configuration and operating mode options. The performance of the proposed modeling framework is demonstrated using a case study.http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/11/2/362process simulationsustainable modeling and optimizationnatural gas utilizationproduction system designCO2 emissions |
collection |
DOAJ |
language |
English |
format |
Article |
sources |
DOAJ |
author |
Saad A. Al-Sobhi Ali Elkamel Fatih S. Erenay Munawar A. Shaik |
spellingShingle |
Saad A. Al-Sobhi Ali Elkamel Fatih S. Erenay Munawar A. Shaik Simulation-Optimization Framework for Synthesis and Design of Natural Gas Downstream Utilization Networks Energies process simulation sustainable modeling and optimization natural gas utilization production system design CO2 emissions |
author_facet |
Saad A. Al-Sobhi Ali Elkamel Fatih S. Erenay Munawar A. Shaik |
author_sort |
Saad A. Al-Sobhi |
title |
Simulation-Optimization Framework for Synthesis and Design of Natural Gas Downstream Utilization Networks |
title_short |
Simulation-Optimization Framework for Synthesis and Design of Natural Gas Downstream Utilization Networks |
title_full |
Simulation-Optimization Framework for Synthesis and Design of Natural Gas Downstream Utilization Networks |
title_fullStr |
Simulation-Optimization Framework for Synthesis and Design of Natural Gas Downstream Utilization Networks |
title_full_unstemmed |
Simulation-Optimization Framework for Synthesis and Design of Natural Gas Downstream Utilization Networks |
title_sort |
simulation-optimization framework for synthesis and design of natural gas downstream utilization networks |
publisher |
MDPI AG |
series |
Energies |
issn |
1996-1073 |
publishDate |
2018-02-01 |
description |
Many potential diversification and conversion options are available for utilization of natural gas resources, and several design configurations and technology choices exist for conversion of natural gas to value-added products. Therefore, a detailed mathematical model is desirable for selection of optimal configuration and operating mode among the various options available. In this study, we present a simulation-optimization framework for the optimal selection of economic and environmentally sustainable pathways for natural gas downstream utilization networks by optimizing process design and operational decisions. The main processes (e.g., LNG, GTL, and methanol production), along with different design alternatives in terms of flow-sheeting for each main processing unit (namely syngas preparation, liquefaction, N2 rejection, hydrogen, FT synthesis, methanol synthesis, FT upgrade, and methanol upgrade units), are used for superstructure development. These processes are simulated using ASPEN Plus V7.3 to determine the yields of different processing units under various operating modes. The model has been applied to maximize total profit of the natural gas utilization system with penalties for environmental impact, represented by CO2eq emission obtained using ASPEN Plus for each flowsheet configuration and operating mode options. The performance of the proposed modeling framework is demonstrated using a case study. |
topic |
process simulation sustainable modeling and optimization natural gas utilization production system design CO2 emissions |
url |
http://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/11/2/362 |
work_keys_str_mv |
AT saadaalsobhi simulationoptimizationframeworkforsynthesisanddesignofnaturalgasdownstreamutilizationnetworks AT alielkamel simulationoptimizationframeworkforsynthesisanddesignofnaturalgasdownstreamutilizationnetworks AT fatihserenay simulationoptimizationframeworkforsynthesisanddesignofnaturalgasdownstreamutilizationnetworks AT munawarashaik simulationoptimizationframeworkforsynthesisanddesignofnaturalgasdownstreamutilizationnetworks |
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