Three-distribution-parameter general model for reactor network synthesis

Abstract Reactor network synthesis has attracted more and more attentions especially under the increasing stress on the environment problem. Recent advances have been made chiefly in approaches for superstructure optimization as well as reactor network targeting concept. In this paper, a three-distribution-parameter general model for reactor network synthesis is proposed. The three distribution parameters are side feeding, recycling and bypassing distribution parameters respectively. Because they can greatly influence the concentration and residence time profile within the reactors, which enable the proposed general model to be compact and efficient. Based on this general model, the reactor network synthesis problem can be formulated as an optimization problem. By orthogonal collocation on finite element discretization strategy, the original optimization model is transformed into a NLP problem. After optimization, the reactor type with varying maximum mixing to minimum mixing and configuration including series and parallel connection in the reactor network can be directly decided according to the optimal solution of distribution parameters. Three examples are studied and discussed. From the results, it can be concluded that the side feeding, recycling and bypassing strategy can give a comprehensive reflection of optimal characteristic of the reactor network under various reaction kinetics and the objective formulation, and easy to be used to gain practical network.