A Hybrid Approach for Cutpoint Temperatures Optimization of Crude Distillation Unit

Abstract

Fractionation of crude oil in crude distillation unit (CDU) is an energy intensive process. It is carried out on the basis of cutpoint temperatures, i.e., the tray temperature of the CDU at which a product stream is separated. Rigorous optimization of cutpoint temperature is required for the unceasing scheduling of the feed where a substantial amount of energy in utilities is wasted. In this study, a novel optimization approach is proposed for the cutpoint temperatures optimization by hybridization of Taguchi and Genetic Algorithm. An Aspen HYSYS flowsheet is develop for CDU for three Pakistani crudes, i.e. Bobi, Kunnar and Zamzama. Optimization is carried out on lowering the energy consumption per unit production product, diesel. The proposed mechanism comprises of two phases; at first phase, Taguchi method is applied to optimize the cutpoint temperature followed by application of Genetic Algorithm for further optimization.