The layout development of a chemical plant is part of a more general
process, i.e., the global design of the plant. This one comprises six steps [12]:
1. Problem definition and conception. In which basic aspects and hypothesis
should be well known, as well as plant capacity and time distribution. In this
stage the objectives of the plant, its economical viability and flexibility to
eventual changes are investigated.
2. Development of the process fluxograms. It allows for the process
familiarization, reduces the process complexibility and identifies the missing
information.
3. Equipment design. At least a preliminary design is required to produce info
for economical assessment. Beyond that, equipment manufactures and
vendors need more detailed information, such as material to be used and tank
wall thickness.
4. Economical analysis. "How much money will be earned for the investment
made?" The answer requires determination of raw materials, equipment,
labor and processing costs, as well as knowledge about inflation rates, taxes,
etc., which affects the industry profitability as a whole.
5. Optimization. A balance between engineering and economics. The optimum
is searched considering all factors involved. The factory components
placement is regarded here, which is the topic of this work.
6. Report publication. The previous work is presented in a clear and organized
way, to guarantee absence of doubts.
The The ideal layout achievement may be hampered by space
limitations, available time and absence of qualified personnel. Nevertheless, the
ideal layout sets a guideline for any modification. An adapted layout is the way
to go then. The objective of this work was to optimize, using mathematical
modeling, specifically GAMS/CPLEX version 7.5 with the equation proposed
by [7], the layout of a tissue manufacturing plan