Simulation and Optimization of an Existing Ethylbenzene Dehydrogenation Reactor.

Abstract

<p>The main purpose of this research was to find, from a simulation of an existing reactor under rather heavy constraints, how upon removal of these limitation the same reactor could be operated more economically and, efficiently. An accurate, simplified model of the process was developed and used in the design of single and double bed reactors with very consistent results. A better understanding of the process variables, reactions and constraints was obtained by extrapolation of the model within reasonable bounds.</p> <p>The usefulness of a multivariate search technique applied to a relatively complicated process was proven. Such techniques as Pontryagin's Maximum Principle l and dynamic programming2 become unwieldy for processes involving many state variables. An engineer can quickly grasp the ideas of multi-variable search methods whereas it is difficult to understand the above more elaborate techniques without much study. This report may be particularly useful to plant-process engineers who seek a practical optimum-seeking method.</p>