Reactor optimum

For a single plug flow reactor optimum conditions for adiabatic operation are, obtained by varying the feed temperature so that the Average... 

Batch reactors—optimum residence time for series and complex reactions, minimum cost, optimal operating temperature, and maximum rate of reaction... 

Abu-Reesh I, Faqir N (1996) Simulation of glucose isomerase reactor optimum operating temperature. Bioproc Eng 14 205-210... 

Plots of economic potential versus reactor conversion allow the optimal reactor conversion for a given flowsheet to be identified (Fig. 8.2). Although this approach allows the location of the optimum to be found, it does not give any indication of why the optimum occurs where it does. 

Pressure. Within limits, pressure may have Htfle effect in air-sparged LPO reactors. Consider the case where the pressure is high enough to supply oxygen to the Hquid at a reasonable rate and to maintain the gas holdup relatively low. If pressure is doubled, the concentration of oxygen in the bubbles is approximately doubled and the rate of oxygen deHvery from each bubble is also approximately doubled in the mass-transfer rate-limited zone. The total number of bubbles, however, is approximately halved. The overall effect, therefore, can be small. The optimum pressure is likely to be determined by the permissible maximum gas holdup and/or the desirable maximum vapor load in the vent gas. 

Hydrocarbon, typically natural gas, is fed into the reactor to intersect with an electric arc stmck between a graphite cathode and a metal (copper) anode. The arc temperatures are in the vicinity of 20,000 K inducing a net reaction temperature of about 1500°C. Residence time is a few milliseconds before the reaction temperature is drastically reduced by quenching with water. Just under 11 kWh of energy is required per kg of acetylene produced. Low reactor pressure favors acetylene yield and the geometry of the anode tube affects the stabiUty of the arc. The maximum theoretical concentration of acetylene in the cracked gas is 25% (75% hydrogen). The optimum obtained under laboratory conditions was 18.5 vol % with an energy expenditure of 13.5 kWh/kg (4). 

An analytical model of the process has been developed to expedite process improvements and to aid in scaling the reactor to larger capacities. The theoretical results compare favorably with the experimental data, thereby lending vahdity to the appHcation of the model to predicting directions for process improvement. The model can predict temperature and compositional changes within the reactor as functions of time, power, coal feed, gas flows, and reaction kinetics. It therefore can be used to project optimum residence time, reactor si2e, power level, gas and soHd flow rates, and the nature, composition, and position of the reactor quench stream. 

Continuous-flow stirred-tank reactors ia series are simpler and easier to design for isothermal operation than are tubular reactors. Reactions with narrow operating temperature ranges or those requiring close control of reactant concentrations for optimum selectivity benefit from series arrangements. 

Only recently has a mechanism been proposed for the copper-cataly2ed reaction that is completely satisfactory (58). It had been known for many years that a small amount of carbon dioxide in the feed to the reactor is necessary for optimum yield, but most workers in the field beHeved that the main reaction in the formation of methanol was the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide. Now, convincing evidence has been assembled to indicate that methanol is actually formed with >99% selectivity by the reaction of dissociated, adsorbed hydrogen and carbon dioxide on the metallic copper surface in two steps ... 

In the modern unit design, the main vessel elevations and catalyst transfer lines are typically set to achieve optimum pressure differentials because the process favors high regenerator pressure, to enhance power recovery from the flue gas and coke-burning kinetics, and low reactor pressure to enhance product yields and selectivities. 

Two variables of primary importance, which are interdependent, are reaction temperature and ch1orine propy1ene ratio. Propylene is typically used ia excess to act as a diluent and heat sink, thus minimising by-products (eqs.2 and 3). Since higher temperatures favor the desired reaction, standard practice generally involves preheat of the reactor feeds to at least 200°C prior to combination. The heat of reaction is then responsible for further increases in the reaction temperature toward 510°C. The chlorine propylene ratio is adjusted so that, for given preheat temperatures, the desired ultimate reaction temperature is maintained. For example, at a chlorine propylene molar ratio of 0.315, feed temperatures of 200°C (propylene) and 50°C (chlorine) produce an ultimate reaction temperature of approximately 500°C (10). Increases in preheat temperature toward the ultimate reactor temperature, eg, in attempts to decrease yield of equation 1, must be compensated for in reduced chlorine propylene ratio, which reduces the fraction of propylene converted and, thus aHyl chloride quantity produced. A suitable economic optimum combination of preheat temperature and chlorine propylene ratio can be readily deterrnined for individual cases. 

Exploration for an acceptable or optimum design of a new reaction process may need to consider reactor types, several catalysts, specifications of feed and product, operating conditions, and economic evaluations. Modifications to an existing process hkewise may need to consider many cases. These efforts can oe eased by commercial kinetics services. A typical one can handle up to 20 reactions in CSTRs or... 

Basic process control system (BPCS) loops are needed to control operating parameters like reactor temperature and pressure. This involves monitoring and manipulation of process variables. The batch process, however, is discontinuous. This adds a new dimension to batch control because of frequent start-ups and shutdowns. During these transient states, control-tuning parameters such as controller gain may have to be adjusted for optimum dynamic response. 

Through careful management of the reactive pow er. making use of shunt and series capacitors and reactors, we can provide support to an overstressed LT or FIT stipply system, and achieve optimum utilization and a higher level of stability. 

Only catalysts that are completely inactive within reasonable condition should be rejected. Finding better conditions for a catalyst that shows some promise is best left for the catalyst manufacturer or the investigator. Those most familiar with process chemistry and recycle reactors will be best able to find the optimum condition for a promising catalyst. 

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