Introduction

This chapter presents an introduction to the optimization. This chapter presents an introduction to the development optimization models for different types of process devices. A proper analysis of the degrees of freedom of process units, as well as for entire processes is presented in this chapter. The concept of superstructure is analyzed, and the basics of development optimization formulations are presented. The classification for the different types of optimization formulations is presented and the basic techniques to solve these problems are addressed in this chapter. Also, this chapter presents the definitions of the different types of optimization formulations mainly associated with chemical processes. Finally, this chapter also presents basic mathematical concepts needed to solve optimization problems.