Optimal supply chain of light aromatic compounds

The supply chain of light aromatic compounds, i.e., benzene, toluene, m-xylene, and p-xylene was studied. The proper production scheme of these compounds over multiple time periods can be configured by selecting throughput, operating conditions and technology options for each unit in the chain, by maintaining the desired inventory level for each process material, by purchasing enough raw materials, and by delivering appropriate amounts of products to the customers. A mixed integer nonlinear programming model is developed to synthesize the best SCM policies under the constraints of given supplies and demands. By solving this model, not only the appropriate inventory level of every process material and the optimal throughput and operation mode of each production unit can be determined, but also the purchase opportunities of intermediate oils can be identified. This is an abstract of a paper presented at the AIChE Annual Meeting and Fall Showcase (Cincinnati, OH 10/30/2005-11/4/2005).