Structure of the Optimisation Algorithm

High-throughput testing was accomplished using a system of 16 continuous fixed-bed parallel microreactors, able to work up to 80 bar. The principal characteristics of this reactor are summarized as  

Two different software applications have been developed for this complex reaction system (1) Hardware control and automation this application enables one to set and control the pressure, liquids and gas flow and pressure, as well as the position of the mechanical parts of the system. It also allows one to program the variation of the different reaction conditions (64 variables in each reaction step) (2) Analysis and reaction monitoring this application enables the on-line monitoring of the GC analysis results and reporting, which facilitates the off-line data analysis and leads to nohuman data manipulations in the transfer to the genetic algorithm application. 

Catalysts pre-treatment (calcination and reduction) was performed in the same testing system or in a parallel automatic activation system prior to reaction test Calcination is carried out at 600 °C under airflow for 8 h and reduction at 250 °C for 2 h under hydrogen flow. Catalytic tests were carried out at 30 bar total pressure, temperature range 200-240°C, and 2.26h-1 WHSV, H2/hydrocarbons molar ratio of 2.93. Each fixed bed microreactor contained 500 mg of catalyst (particle size 0.4—0.6 mm, for which there are no internal diffusion limitations). Reaction products distribution are analysed using a gas chromatograph (Varian 3380GC) equipped with a Plot Alumina capillary column. 

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