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Optimization and adaptive control of a semi‐batch synthesis reactor
Author(s) -
Uhlemann Jens,
Cabassud Michel,
Le Lann MarieVéronique,
Borredon Elisabeth,
Casamatta Gilbert
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
chemical engineering and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.403
H-Index - 81
eISSN - 1521-4125
pISSN - 0930-7516
DOI - 10.1002/ceat.270160104
Subject(s) - process (computing) , yield (engineering) , process engineering , batch reactor , operating cost , temperature control , process optimization , volume (thermodynamics) , operating temperature , computer science , chemistry , engineering , control engineering , thermodynamics , chemical engineering , waste management , catalysis , biochemistry , physics , electrical engineering , operating system
The optimization of a chemical synthesis aims at an adjustment of the operating conditions, i.e. pH, temperature and initial concentrations, in order to obtain maximum yield, minimum operating costs or similar. The optimization effort may be considerable so that, in many cases, its cost cannot be justified, especially for small volume products. This paper introduces a new strategy, namely to establish the optimum operating conditions with a relatively small effort. The new approach is illustrated by the synthesis of 2‐furyl oxirane. In the first step, a simplified mechanistic process model has to be determined on the basis of easily accessible experimental data. Initial and final concentrations of all reacting components, reaction time and temperature must be known. A two‐step evaluation yields the stoichiometric coefficients of all the occurring reactions as well as the parameters of the Arrhenius model. This so‐called trend model is used in the optimization of the operating conditions. It is not only important to know the optimum operating conditions but also to maintain them as close as possible in practical operation. An adaptive controller is well suited to such an application and its use is discussed.