Phase stability analysis and phase equilibrium calculations in reactive and nonreactive systems using new hybrids of Pelican and Gorilla troops algorithms.

Phase stability and equilibrium calculations are very significant in the process industries, ranging from process simulation, equipment design, operation and design. These problems involve several systems of complex and nonlinear equations, which are mathematically challenging. An alternative solution is formulating the problems into a global optimisation problem. A robust and reliable optimisation technique is required to solve these global optimisation problems. In this study, two recently developed stochastic global optimisation algorithms, POA and GTO were applied to phase stability and equilibrium problems. The need to enhance their performance necessitated the development of two modified algorithms, PGOA1 and PGOA2, which are the hybridisation of POA and GTO. All the algorithms' abilities were explored for solving computationally challenging and multidimensional phase stability and equilibrium problems, and their performances were compared. The implementation of POA and GTO was good in solving most problems, though GTO slightly outperformed POA. The hybridisation of both to develop PGOA1 and PGOA2 was worthwhile as both outperformed the POA and GTO. PGOA2 is more robust and reliable in solving phase stability and equilibrium, and its performance superseded the performances of the other algorithms. • Pelican and Gorilla troops algorithms applied to phase problems. • Phase stability and equilibrium for non-reactive and reactive benchmark problems. • Hybrid of Pelican and Gorilla troop algorithms outperformed the parent algorithms. • The inclusion of a local optimizer improved the algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]