Structural-parametric optimization of synthesis gas production complexes
Abstract
Relevance. The development of remote and hard-to-access hydrocarbon fields requires the creation of autonomous mobile systems for processing associated petroleum gas into synthesis gas. Conventional design approaches oriented toward large-scale production do not account for strict weight and size constraints and the high energy-efficiency requirements typical of mobile units. Aim. To develop an algorithm for the structural and parametric optimization of components of small-scale synthesis gas production units based on non-catalytic partial oxidation, enabling a multi-criteria search for trade-off solutions between compactness and hydraulic losses. Methods. The study is based on the hierarchical decomposition of system components, thermodynamic modeling, and the solution of a multi-criteria optimization problem using the principal criterion method with successive approximations. The calculation of heat exchange equipment is performed using classical dimensionless correlation equations, with thermophysical properties refined on the basis of reference data incorporated into the software library. Results. The authors have developed and validated an algorithm that integrates thermodynamic and design calculations into a unified computational core. Using a double-pipe heat exchanger as an example, it is shown that the dependence of apparatus length on the inner tube diameter and the annular cross-sectional area is empirical. Pareto fronts were constructed for the criteria of apparatus length and hydraulic losses. Verification by comparison with simulations in Ansys Fluent showed a deviation in heat duty of no more than 5%. Conclusions. The proposed algorithm enables the determination of rational geometric parameters of heat exchange equipment at the early design stages, ensuring a justified compromise between weight and size characteristics and energy efficiency. The algorithm can serve as the computational core of a specialized computer-aided design system for mobile units. For citation: Tseneva S.N., Kuzmin A.M. Structural-parametric optimization of synthesis gas production complexes. Bulletin of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. Geo Assets Engineering, 2026, vol. 337, no. 9, pp. 7–16. http://doi.org/10.18799/24131830/2026/9/5697