Lamar University

ENGR 6301-A1 Real Time Optimization

Summer I 2014
MTWR 3:35-5:30 Lucas Rm 110
General Course Information
Instructor:
Office:
Office Hours:
Phone:
E-mail:
Textbook:

Dr. Peyton C. Richmond, Chemical Engineering

108 Lucas Building
2:00 3:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, or by appointment
880-2147
peyton.richmond@lamar.edu
Edgar, T.F., Himmelblau, D.M., and Lasdon, L.S., Optimization
of Chemical Processes, Second Edition, McGraw-Hill, New
York (2001)
Additional Material: Presentation Slides supplemented by Literature references
Course Objectives
This course introduces students to Real Time Optimization (RTO) as practiced by the
chemical and refining industry.
Student Learning Outcomes
At the successful conclusion of this course students will be able to:
1. Identify where an industrial real time optimization (RTO) application fits into the
corporate decision making hierarchy
2. Discuss the steps to solve optimization problems as well as some of the obstacles
to successful optimization;
3. Describe how equation oriented (EO) process simulation is used for RTO and why
it is more suitable than sequential modular (SM) process simulation;
4. By way of a class project, demonstrate the ability to formulate and solve a modest
RTO problem using AspenPlus EO software.
Web Site
Supplementary information for this course including class notes, PowerPoint slides, class
announcements, the course syllabus, test dates, and other information will be posted on
the Web. Further instructions will be provided when the information is posted.
E-Mail
All students are requested to obtain an e-mail account. If you have any questions about
the course or need assistance, please contact me in person or by telephone during office
hours; or by e-mail at any time. E-mail lab or homework submissions should be
submitted as an attachment in Microsoft Word format.

This course complies with university policies on disabilities, accommodations, and academic dishonesty as
printed in the Lamar University Student Handbook and Faculty Handbook

Grading and Evaluation Criteria

Homework and lab assignments are due on the assigned day before class starts.
Late homework and lab assignments (no more than one week after the due date)
will receive a maximum of 50% credit.
The final grading curve is subject to the discretion of the instructor
Point distribution:
50% of the grade is based on examinations (exam 1 25%, exam 2 25%).
Examinations are not cumulative and are given in a multiple choice format. An inclass review will be held prior to each examination.
25% of the grade is based on student projects.
25% of the grade is based on lab assignments.

Preliminary Syllabus
Week#
1

Date
Jun 4

Jun 9

Jun 16

Jun 23

Jun 30

Jul 9

Subject
Overview Plant Optimization Hierarchy
Flow sheeting analysis (SM/EO)
EO Nomenclature (Deethanizer/Depropanizer) Class
EO Nomenclature (Deethanizer/Depropanizer) Lab1
Control Structure and Simulation
EO Modes and Variables (Deethanizer/Depropanizer) Class
EO Modes and Variables (Deethanizer/Depropanizer) Lab2
EO Modes and Variables (Deethanizer/Depropanizer) Lab2
Specification Groups (Deethanizer/Depropanizer) Class
Specification Groups (Deethanizer/Depropanizer) Lab3
Review (student test questions due)
Exam 1
Infeasible Path Optimization (HW1)
Optimization (Light Hydrocarbon Refrigeration) Class
Optimization (Light Hydrocarbon Refrigeration) Lab4
Gross Error Detection & Data Reconciliation (HW2)
Distillation Optimization (Ethylene Tower) Class
Distillation Optimization (Ethylene Tower) Lab5
Scripting Language and Automation
Student Project Rubric Review
Measurement Models (Ethylene Tower) Class
Measurement Models (Ethylene Tower) Lab6
Review (student test questions due)
Project Due
Exam 2

This course complies with university policies on disabilities, accommodations, and academic dishonesty as
printed in the Lamar University Student Handbook and Faculty Handbook