On-line optimization using a two-phase approach: an application study

A two-phase approach for on-line optimization of chemical processes was proposed by a previous author. This approach addresses some crucial difficulties encountered with chemical processes such as imperfect models, nonlinearity, presence of operating constraints, and the multivariable nature of most processes. The approach was adapted for application to an industrial scale problem, namely, the optimal operation of a packed tubular reactor for the production of ethylene oxide. This application exhibits many characteristics cited above which makes on-line optimization a challenging problem. Results using a simulation study show that the two-phase approach holds considerable promise. The paper concludes with suggestions regarding the application of the proposed approach to industrial processes.