Abstract: A method and system for real-time optimization of a process scheduled using a single-period or multi-period, steady-state planning model and optimization program, and is controlled by means of linear or non-linear multivariable constraint controls. A steady-state model based on first principles of chemistry and physics of a plant is applied with a non-linear optimizer to calculate the optimum operating point of said oil refinery at any desired frequency such that the refinery can be considered to be operating in steady-state. The optimum is a function of the price of feedstocks, products and intermediate streams as provided by the refinery planning optimization. The solution is implemented automatically by linear or non-linear multivariable constraint controllers operating each of the processing units of said plant.

Abstract: A method and system for real-time optimization of a process which is scheduled using a single-period or multi-period, steady-state planning model and optimization program which can be a Linear Program (LP) or Non-Linear Program (NLP), and is controlled by means of linear or non-linear multivariable constraint controls (MVC). A steady-state model based on first principles of chemistry and physics of a plant is applied with a non-linear optimizer to calculate the optimum operating point of said oil refinery at any desired frequency such that the refinery can be considered to be operating in steady-state. The economic optimum is a function of the price of feedstocks, products and intermediate streams as provided by the refinery planning optimization. The solution is implemented automatically by linear or non-linear multivariable constraint controllers operating each of the processing units of said plant.