Design and Optimization Studies

The goal of this chapter is to provide semirealistic design and optimization exercises. Design is a creative endeavor that combines elements of art and science. It is hoped that the examples presented here will provide some appreciation of the creative process. 

The chapter introduces several optimization techniques. The emphasis is on robustness and ease of use rather than computational efficiency. 

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Extensive design and optimization studies have been carried out for this sequence (108). The principal optimization variables, ie, the design variables that have the largest impact on the economics of the process, are the redux ratio in the azeo-column the position of the tie-line for the mixture in the decanter, determined by the temperature and overall composition of the mixture in the decanter the position of the decanter composition on the decanter tie-line (see Reference 104 for a discussion of the importance of these variables) and the distillate composition from the entrainer recovery column. 

Mixing Models. The assumption of perfect or micro-mixing is frequently made for continuous stirred tank reactors and the ensuing reactor model used for design and optimization studies. For well-agitated reactors with moderate reaction rates and for reaction media which are not too viscous, this model is often justified. Micro-mixed reactors are characterized by uniform concentrations throughout the reactor and an exponential residence time distribution function. 

An example of a design and optimization study using a fairly sophisticated model for st5Tene pol5Tnerization is given in... 

Chapter 6 Design and Optimization Studies Both reactions are endothermic ... 

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