Factorial design, lead optimization

Optimization of a process or catalyst by experimental design such as two-factorial design can lead to significant reduction in time required to achieve the goal. In their excellent work, Mylroie et al. (3) reduced the time required for the optimization of the reductive alkylation process conditions by a factor of 10. Here, we turn our attention to the optimization of the catalyst rather than the process. 

Another point to be discussed is the use of the rigorous model compared with the use of simplified models as the statistical models determined by factorial design and used with RSM. Although rigorous models are more realistic and probably lead to better results, for many processes they can be excessively complex, which hinders determination of the optimal result. 

In this period development efforts in the individual unit operations (sub tasks) leading to the total process are described Where found suitable, fractional factorial design experiments based upon the Taguchi method were conducted to optimize a particular unit operation. No attempt was made at this stage to link various unit operations for the sake of total process optimization. 

The basic design of the gas chromatograph can be fitted with a range of specific injectors, columns and detectors to optimize the separation of components and aid their identification. Recent developments in computer control, the use of robotic autosamplers and the trend to couple instruments together for sequential procedures have lead to increased automation for routine analytical tasks performed by GCs in research, factory and quality control environments. 

Thus, for a control medium containing, for example, 2% glucose and 1% soya flour, example a. above would test 1, 2, and 4% glucose each at 0.5, 1, and 2% soya flour, i.e, a total of nine treatments. Determination of titer in each test medium allows response surfaces to be plotted from which the effects of high and low levels of each factor and their interactions can be readily identified As with the fractional factorial experiments described above, these experiments are not designed for absolute optimization but will rapidly identify trends leading to increased titer... 

A simplified modular design approach is applied to all SMART primary components. The optimized and modularized small-sized components allow for easy factory fabrication and direct installation at the site, which leads to the shortening of an overall construction time and schedule. These features are to ensure the construction period of less than three years from the first concrete to fuel load. The compact and integral primary system also eliminates the complexity and extra components associated with conventional loop-type reactors. 

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