Code No: 58204/MT

NR
M.Tech. – II Semester Regular Examinations, September, 2008

OPTIMIZATION TECHNIQUES IN CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

(Chemical Engineering)

Time: 3hours Max. Marks:60

Answer any FIVE questions

All questions carry equal marks
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1.a) Explain the six steps to be followed in optimization problem.

b) Given the following equilibrium data for the distribution of So3 in
Hexane. Determine a suitable linear empirical model to represent
the data:

X, Pressure 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600

(Psia)
Y, Weight 0.846 0.573 0.401 0.288 0.209 0.153 0.111 0.078
fraction of
hexane

2.a) Discuss Newton and Quasi-Newton methods.

b) Pick a bracket on the minimum, say x=-3 to x=+3, for minimization
of the function f(x)=(x2-x). Assume xo=3, as the starting point. Solve
by Newton and Quasi-Newton methods.

3.a) Find the minimum of y(x)=10x2-3x+5, subject to the constraint

x2+2x-24 ≤ 0, using sequential regularly sized interval search
method (2 experiments/cycle) with total 8 experiments.
b) Solve the above problem using sequential dichotomous search
method.

4. Analyze the function

1 1
f ( x ) = x4 − x2
4 2
Find all of its stationary points and determine, if they are maxima,
minima, or inflection points. Sketch the curve in the region
−2 ≤ x ≤ 2

Cont…2
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5. An open cylindrical vessel is to be used to store 10ft3 of liquid. The

objective function for the sum of the operating and capital costs of
the vessel is
1
f ( h, r ) = 2 ( 2π rh ) + 10π r 2
πr h
can Newton’s method be used to minimize this function? Present
your solution to the problem.

6. Solve the following LPP by simplex method

Max f ( x) = −2 x1 − x2 + 5 x3 ;
Subject to x1 − 2 x2 + x3 ≤ 8
3x1 − 2 x2 ≥ −18
2 x1 + x2 − 2 x3 ≤ −4
x1 , x2 ≥ 0

7.a) Define the Bellman’s principle of optimality

b) A contractor has to supply the following no. of items at the end of
ach month

Month 1 2 3 4 5
No. of units demanded 85 180 300 375 285

Production during a month is available for supply at the end of

month. The holding cost/item/month is Re 1/-. The setup cost is
Rs 900/- per setup and Rs 2/- per item. Using dynamic
programming approach, find out optimum production scheduling.

8. Write about the following:

a) Integer programming
b) Genetic algorithms.

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