Robust simulation and design using semi‐infinite programs with implicit functions

A method is presented for guaranteeing robust steady‐state operation of chemical processes using a model‐based approach, taking into account uncertainty in the model parameters and disturbances in the process inputs. Intractable constrained max min optimisation formulations have been proposed for this problem in the past. A new approach is presented in which the equality constraints (process model equations) are solved numerically for the process variables as implicit functions of the uncertain parameters and controls. The problem is then formulated as a semi‐infinite program (SIP) constrained only by the performance specifications as semi‐infinite inequality constraints. A rigorous, finite #949;‐optimal convergent algorithm for solving such SIPs is proposed, making no assumptions on convexity, which makes use of the novel developments of parametric interval‐Newton methods for bounding implicit functions, and novel developments in McCormick relaxations of algorithms.