Optimization by Boundary Control in Temperature of Reactors with Decaying Catalyst

Abstract

<p> A quasi-steady state optimization of an adiabatic, fixed bed tubular reactor, with catalyst decay, is considered.</p> <p> The optimal inlet temperature (distribution) To(t), is sought, so as to maximize the total amount of reaction in a fixed given period of time. Upper and lower bounds are placed on the inlet temperature.</p> <p> A single irreversible reaction is considered with a reaction rate expressible as separable functions of inlet temperature, conversion and catalyst activity.</p> <p> The rate of catalyst decay is expressed in an analogous manner and in particular, the conversion dependence is maintained.</p> <p> The optimal policy of choosing the temperature so as to maintain the exit conversion constant in time when catalyst decay is independent of conversion, is examined.</p> <p> The extension of this constant conversion policy to the present system is discounted.</p> <p> New optimum seeking methods are developed and numerical calculations presented to illustrate the optimal profiles.</p>