Implementing optimal control policy for a fixed bed heterogeneous catalytic reactor

Investigating dynamic optimal policies for an industrial methanol reactor experiencing exothermic, reversible reactions is subject of this study. Optimal values of inlet hydrogen mole fraction and shell temperature have been investigated for a heterogeneous methanol reactor as a case study. Optimization has been carried out by calculating Methanol Production Rate (MPR) as objective function. Optimal history for shell temperature (Tshell) and hydrogen inlet mole fraction has been obtained during 4 years of operation. It was found that applying obtained optimal profiles of H2 and Tshell provides 1.4 percent more benefits compared with a typical operating plant.

Keywords:

optimal control , fixed bed reactor , dynamic optimization