Comparing Genetic Algorithm and Simulated Annealing in Optimization of Distillation Column Sequences

Optimum design of distillation columns sequences is one of the most complicated problems in process engineering. In the current work, Genetic Algorithm and Simulated Annealing have been compared for this optimization problem. The optimum design of distillation columns has been found based on the equilibrium-based simulation results with respect to the separation cost. Comparing the results for an investigated example shows that Genetic Algorithm can find a solution with lower separation cost. However, Simulated Annealing can find the local optimum solution in considerably lower execution time. Also, bypass streams and non-sharp separation can be seen in the optimum condition.

Keywords:

Distillation column , Sequence , Optimization , non-sharp separation