Title: A conceptual decomposition of MINLP models for the design of water-using systems

Authors: Alberto Alva-Argaez, Antonis C. Kokossis, Robin Smith

Addresses: CETC-Varennes, Natural Resources Canada, 1615 Lionel Boulet Blvd., Varennes QC, Canada. ' Process and Information Systems Engineering, School of Engineering, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK. ' Centre for Process Integration, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

Abstract: The work presents a systematic methodology for the design of industrial water systems that combines principles of water-pinch (Wang and Smith, 1994a, 1994b) with mathematical programming techniques that enable the imposition of practical constraints and the generalisation of the conceptual tools into multi-contaminant problems. A superstructure model is formulated as an MINLP and solved via decomposition. Layout constraints and flowrates compatible with existing networks can be enforced. Elements of capital and operating cost, including piping are analysed. The solution strategy is based upon a penalty-based search, coupled with an iterative projection procedure. The approach is tested and illustrated on several examples.

Keywords: water networks design; water minimisation; MINLP; MILP; pollution prevention; environmental pollution; water pinch; multiple contaminants; layout constraints; flow rates; piping; costs; water supply; water quality.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2007.012803

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2007 Vol.29 No.1/2/3, pp.177 - 205

Published online: 15 Mar 2007 *

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