A mathematical programming approach for Crude Distillation Unit (CDU) and Fluid Catalytic Cracker (FCC) optimization in refinery operations planning

The modeling and optimization of the fluid catalytic cracker (FCC) within the larger refinery process has been debated for decades. At issue is the accuracy and complexity trade-off between different modeling methodologies, along with the validity of optimizing the FCC as a stand-alone component as opposed to being considered as part of the larger refinery process. With market demand for refinery output products growing, it is desirable to operate under optimal conditions. To overcome these issues and achieve optimal yield, this paper proposes a refinery operations planning model that utilizes a simplified empirical nonlinear programming formulation that aims to minimize production cost. The proposed model disposes with the complex algorithms and equations used by others and can be easily solved with much higher accuracy than a traditional linear model. The results react intuitively to different market conditions and are presented by using several illustrative case studies.