Process Plant Layout Optimization of an FPSO

A computational approach is presented to the problem of process plant layout optimization of an FPSO, aiming to obtain lower capital expenditure as well as to comply with operability, maintainability and safety requirements. This approach comprises three stages: divide the plant into modules, optimization of the layout of equipment within each module and optimization of the layout of modules. For some of these stages, mixed integer linear programming (MILP) models were presented and implemented using data from Petrobras FPSOs (Floating Production Storage and Offloading), as a case study. The optimization models showed good results and the obtained layouts presented lower costs compared to the real layouts.