UNIVERSITI TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN

Faculty : Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering & Science

Programme : BEng (Hons) Chemical Engineering
Course : UEMK4333 Process Optimization and Simulation
Session : Jan 2017 Due Date : 09 March 2017 (Thursday
Week 8) Before 12 pm
Lecturer : Dr. Steven Lim Expected Duration to : 5 weeks
Complete Assignment

Instructions:
Please use this page as your assignment cover page.

Assignment 1 (Jan 2017)

Total marks: 100 marks

Groups members:

(Groups name here)

Name Student ID Tutorial Total contribution Signature for

Group in this assignment, verification
%

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Question 1:

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As a chemical engineer, solving various optimization problems may be part and parcel of your work
routine. Before you delve into solving those optimization problems you encountered, it is often best to
classify your optimization problems beforehand. This is because most of the algorithms of solving
optimization problems are tailored to a particular type of optimization model. However, it is often
difficult to provide a complete taxonomy to all the types of optimization model available. Figure 1
below shows the general classifications of optimization problems which are commonly found in
engineering fields.

Figure 1: General classifications of optimization problems (adopted from SumanDutta, Optimization

in Chemical Engineering, Cambridge University Press, 2016)

a) From Figure 1, there are generally 3 main types of optimization problems which consist of
discrete optimization, continuous differentiable optimization and continuous non-differentiable
optimization. These 3 main optimization types can then be further broken down into a total of 8
sub-types of optimization models. Please compare and contrast the similarities and differences
between these 8 sub-types of optimization models. Explain in details on their main
characteristics and related solution algorithms. [Total marks: 30 marks]

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 b) Imagine you are a senior chemical engineer for a chemical production plant in Malaysia. Please
explain how you will implement the optimization strategies in your production plant based on
all your knowledge learnt in UEMK4333 Process Optimization and Simulation with the
following criteria:

i. An introduction of your chemical production plant (raw materials, products, process

pathway and flow diagram). Your plant must consist of at least 3 different unit
operations related to chemical engineering (eg. Reactor, distillation column, heat
exchanger, gas absorption etc.). [Marks: 10 marks]

ii. Please elaborate in details the functions/operations of 3 main unit operations which can
be optimized in your plant with a schematic diagram. [Marks: 15 marks]

iii. Perform degree of freedom analysis on each unit operation in (ii) and explain how you
can utilize the 6 general steps in solving optimization problems to optimize them.
[Marks: 30 marks]

iv. Identify any obstacle you may encounter during the optimization process and give
suggestions on how to overcome the obstacles. [Marks: 15 marks]
[Total marks: 70 marks]

Instructions:

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1. Please form a group of 4-5 members and post your group name and member list on google
form (check wble for the link) latest by 12.00 pm on 15th Feb 2017 (Wednesday).
2. Please use the designated page as your assignments coverpage.
3. The maximum limit on the pages for the assignment is 30 including any reference or
appendix.
4. Use Times New Roman, font size 12 with 1.5 spacing.
5. Bonus mark will be awarded according to the overall report presentation (format, readability
etc.)
6. Please submit your assignment latest by 12.00 pm on 9th March 2017 (Thursday). Marks will be
deducted accordingly on late submission depending on the number of days.
7. You need to submit your assignment in both hardcopy and softcopy. Pass the hardcopy to me
in room FE32(3) and group leader has to upload the softcopy to turnitin (Check wble for the
instructions).
8. Students are not allowed to resubmit their assignment. If you or your group has any problem
completing the assignment, do make an appointment with me (at least 2 days) to discuss them.
9. Any act of dishonest or plagiarism during completion of this assignment is a serious offense
and will be awarded zero mark if being found guilty.