Optimization of a Process for the Solvent Fractionation of Palm Oil Using a Model Based on Interpolation of Experimental Data

• Published in: Chemical engineering & technology Vol. 23; no. 2; pp. 165 - 170
• Main Author: Parra, E. Zelaya de la
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim WILEY-VCH Verlag 01.02.2000; WILEY‐VCH Verlag; Wiley-VCH
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Fat industries; Food industries; Fractionation; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Modeling; Palm oil; Process optimization; Fractionation; Palm oil; Computer simulation; Process improvement; Edible oil; Vegetal oil; Mathematical model; Optimization; Acetone
• ISSN: 0930-7516; 1521-4125
• DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1521-4125(200002)23:2<165::AID-CEAT165>3.0.CO;2-G

This work deals with the problem of finding the optimum operating conditions of a process for which a large amount of experimental data has been obtained from a pilot plant. A computer simulation model based on direct linear interpolation on the experimental data was developed and incorporated in an optimization routine able to deal with constraints. A sensitivity analysis around the maximum and a brief analysis of the effects of increasing the capacity of the main pieces of equipment were carried out. The results show that a substantial increment in the production can be achieved when operating at the optimum conditions and that good control of some variables should be observed to prevent deviations from that maximum. The object of the present work is to find the optimum operating conditions of the process for the acetone fractionation of palm oil, using experimental data obtained from an extensive pilot plant study. A computer simulation model based on direct linear interpolation on the experimental data was developed and incorporated in an optimization routine able to deal with constraints. A sensitivity analysis around the maximum and a brief analysis of the effects of increasing the capacity of the main pieces of equipment were carried out.