Use of Whale Meta-Heuristic Algorithm to Promote the Design of Steel Pipe Racks in Refineries

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Ruholamin Chatrazar 1
Hamed Ghohani Arab 2
Mahmoud Miri 3
1 M.Sc. Student, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Sistan and Baluchistan, Zahedan, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Sistan and Baluchistan, Zahedan, Iran
3 Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Sistan and Baluchistan, Zahedan, Iran
Abstract
Pipe racks are critical components in refineries and petrochemical plants, facilitating the transfer of fluids, gases, and petroleum condensates. As they are widely used in industrial installations, their construction costs represent a large portion of project budgets. Therefore, the economical yet safe design of pipe racks, particularly in the financially constrained oil and gas sector, is a critical imperative. Limited research has focused on the optimized design of these structures. This study presents a methodology employing the Whale Optimization Algorithm—a metaheuristic approach—to design cost-effective and safe pipe racks, thereby mitigating refinery construction and establishment costs. The proposed approach was evaluated on a steel pipe rack based on relevant design considerations. The findings demonstrate that the Whale Optimization Algorithm is an effective means for engineers to attain economical structural designs.

Keywords

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 27 October 2024
  • Revise Date 10 December 2024
  • Accept Date 30 December 2024