Utopia Point in multiobjective optimization

This theory will now be applied to the multiobjective design cases for the MTBE column. The reference design used for the sake of comparison is the structure previously introduced in chapter 7. This structure corresponds to a reactive distillation column for the synthesis of MTBE. The spatial design variables were obtained by steady-state optimization of the unit s economic performance. For background information, the reader is referred to section 6.2. The relevant parameters and schematic representation of the optimized design are given in table 8.4 and figure 8.7, respectively. 

4 Application 1. Steady-state Entropy Production Profile IN A MTBE Reactive Distillation Column 

The esterification of iC4 and methanol is used as the case study in this application. A detailed description of the system is presented in appendix B. The chemical reaction is represented by a pseudo-homogeneous kinetics. The spatial configuration of the unit is that obtained previously in section 6.2. 

To prepare for the optimization task and to reduce the problem complexity we identify the dominant contributions to entropy production rate over the MTBE column. The expressions to compute all contributions to the entropy production in the GLRDVE are summarized in table 8.5. In the case of a RD column structure these expressions are applicable for all reactive and nonreactive compartments. Note that the reboiler and condenser models assume that the entropy contribution by external heat transfer is dominant. 

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Figure 8.6. The role of utopia point in multiobjective optimization. Remarks the optimization problem is formulated according to expression 8.56 given in the explanatory note of table 8.1 same note provides the mathematical definition of the utopia point.

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