An integrated mechanism of genetic algorithm and Taguchi method for cut-point temperatures optimization of crude distillation unit

Fractionation of crude oil in crude distillation unit (CDU) is an energy intensive process. Fractionation is carried out based on the 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 generated from utilities is wasted. In this study, a novel optimization approach is proposed for the cut point temperatures optimization by hybridization of Taguchi and Genetic Algorithm. An Aspen HYSYS model is developed 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 temperatures followed by application of Genetic Algorithm for further optimization.