Comparative evaluation of critical operating conditions for a tubular catalytic reactor using thermal sensitivity and loss-of-stability criteria

2010 ◽  
Vol 64 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gheorghe Maria ◽  
Dragoş-Nicolae Ştefan

AbstractOptimal operation of a chemical reactor according to various performance criteria often drives the system towards critical boundaries. Thus, precise evaluation of runaway limits in the parametric space becomes a crucial problem not only for the reactor’s safe operation, but also for over-designing the system. However, obtaining an accurate estimate for operating limits is a difficult task due to the limited validity of kinetic models describing complex processes, as well as the inherent fluctuations of the system’s properties (catalyst, raw-material quality). This paper presents a comparison of several effective methods of deriving critical conditions for the case of a tubular fixed-bed catalytic reactor used for aniline production in the vapour phase. Even though the methods being compared are related to one another, the generalised sensitivity criterion of Morbidelli-Varma (MV) seems to be more robust, not depending on a particular parameter being perturbed, when compared to the criteria that detect an incipient loss of system stability in the critical region (i.e., div-methods based on the system’s Jacobian and Green’s function matrix analysis). Combined application of div- and MV criteria allows for an accurate evaluation of the distance from the reactor’s nominal conditions to the safety limits.

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (8) ◽  
pp. 2012-2018
Author(s):  
Constantin Muscalu ◽  
Gheorghe Maria ◽  
Daniel Dinculescu

Optimal operation of chemical reactors of high thermal sensitivity is a central engineering problem of very high current interest. One elegant alternative to choose the optimal setpoint when at least two contrary (opposite) objectives are considered is based on the so-called Pareto-optimal front technique. This paper exemplifies how to generate Pareto optimal operating policies when reactor productivity and safety objectives (expressed in probabilistic terms) are simultaneously considered in the presence of technological constraints, uncertainty in safety boundaries, and random fluctuations in control variables. Beside the operating control variables, one important design variable is the reactor pipe diameter because it is directly related to the reaction heat removal. This paper exemplifies the influence of this design variable on the setpoint choice when applying the Pareto-optimal front method with computing the runaway-boundaries by using the generalized sensitivity criterion of Morbidelli and Varma (MV-criterion). An example is provided for an industrial fixed-bed tubular reactor used for the catalytic oxidation of benzene to maleic anhydride (MA) in vapour phase.


2009 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 450-460
Author(s):  
M. A. Islam ◽  
M. S. I. Mozumder ◽  
M. M. R. Khan

The conventional method for designing a fixed bed adsorption unit has been discussed. The method is based on the data obtained from an adsorption column test. The characterization of an adsorption system, however, is performed in a laboratory batch experiment. It is shown that the conventional method does not make proper use of the physico-chemical parameters of an adsorption system determined by batch test. Also the method fails to predict the performance of an adsorption unit, if the operating condition differs from that under which the column test has been conducted for design purposes. New design equation has been proposed for both ‘Constantly Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR)’ and ‘Plug Flow Reactor (PFR)’ type adsorption units. The equation predicts the performance of a reactor type adsorption unit under varying operating conditions. The proposed method is based only on the data obtained in batch experiment.Keywords: Adsorption; Unit design; Reactor; Optimal Operation, Dosage; Coefficient of utilization.© 2009 JSR Publications. ISSN: 2070-0237 (Print); 2070-0245 (Online). All rights reserved.DOI: 10.3329/jsr.v1i3.2592     J. Sci. Res. 1 (3), 450-460 (2009)


2014 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-210
Author(s):  
Ari Isokangas ◽  
Kari Ala-Kaila ◽  
Markku Ohenoja ◽  
Aki Sorsa ◽  
Kauko Leiviskä

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to analyse the log loading process of wood room, which is typically the first processing unit in pulp and paper mills. The aim is to improve the log loading process to obtain production with a constant log flow of well de-iced logs to the debarking drum. This way it is possible to reduce costs and enhance product quality. The research was carried out utilising a log loading simulator. The parameters of the simulation model were selected on the basis of process observations on a mill. The results indicate that it is essential to adjust the process and equipment parameters, raw material properties and truck loader operation together in order to reach the target capacity with minimum costs. Especially the speed of the infeed conveyor affects all performance criteria and should be selected carefully. In addition, wood yard logistics and raw material properties have a remarkable effect on the wood room performance. The results can be utilised in mills to allow the upper level control perform in a planned way so that small wood loss and good product quality can be obtained.


2017 ◽  
Vol 68 (7) ◽  
pp. 1496-1500
Author(s):  
Rami Doukeh ◽  
Mihaela Bombos ◽  
Ancuta Trifoi ◽  
Minodora Pasare ◽  
Ionut Banu ◽  
...  

Hydrodesulphurization of dimethyldisulphide was performed on Ni-Co-Mo /�-Al2O3 catalyst. The catalyst was characterized by determining the adsorption isotherms, the pore size distribution and the acid strength. Experiments were carried out on a laboratory echipament in continuous system using a fixed bed catalytic reactor at 50-100�C, pressure from 10 barr to 50 barr, the liquid hourly space velocity from 1h-1 to 4h-1 and the molar ratio H2 / dimethyldisulphide 60/1. A simplified kinetic model based on the Langmuir�Hinshelwood theory, for the dimethyldisulphide hydrodesulfurization process of dimethyldisulphide has been proposed. The results show the good accuracy of the model.


1990 ◽  
Vol 22 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 347-352 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. Paffoni ◽  
B. Védry ◽  
M. Gousailles

The Paris Metropolitan area, which contains over eight million inhabitants, has a daily output of about 3 M cu.meters of wastewater, the purification of which is achieved by SIAAP (Paris Metropolitan Area Sewage Service) in both Achères and Valenton plants. The carbon pollution is eliminated from over 2 M cu.m/day at Achères. In order to improve the quality of output water, its tertiary nitrification in fixed-bed reactors has been contemplated. The BIOFOR (Degremont) and BIOCARBONE (OTV) processes could be tested in semi-industrial pilot reactors at the CRITER research center of SIAAP. At a reference temperature of 13°C, the removed load is approximately 0.5 kg N NH4/m3.day. From a practical point of view, it may be asserted that in such operating conditions as should be at the Achères plant, one cubic meter of filter can handle the tertiary nitification of one cubic meter of purified water per hour at an effluent temperature of 13°C.


Author(s):  
Tapan K. Ray ◽  
Pankaj Ekbote ◽  
Ranjan Ganguly ◽  
Amitava Gupta

Performance analysis of a 500 MWe steam turbine cycle is performed combining the thermodynamic first and second-law constraints to identify the potential avenues for significant enhancement in efficiency. The efficiency of certain plant components, e.g. condenser, feed water heaters etc., is not readily defined in the gamut of the first law, since their output do not involve any thermodynamic work. Performance criteria for such components are defined in a way which can easily be translated to the overall influence of the cycle input and output, and can be used to assess performances under different operating conditions. A performance calculation software has been developed that computes the energy and exergy flows using thermodynamic property values with the real time operation parameters at the terminal points of each system/equipment and evaluates the relevant rational performance parameters for them. Exergy-based analysis of the turbine cycle under different strategic conditions with different degrees of superheat and reheat sprays exhibit the extent of performance deterioration of the major equipment and its impact to the overall cycle efficiency. For example, during a unit operation with attemperation flow, a traditional energy analysis alone would wrongly indicate an improved thermal performance of HP heater 5, since the feed water temperature rise across it increases. However, the actual performance degradation is reflected as an exergy analysis indicates an increased exergy destruction within the HP heater 5 under reheat spray. These results corroborate to the deterioration of overall cycle efficiency and rightly assist operational optimization. The exergy-based analysis is found to offer a more direct tool for evaluating the commercial implication of the off-design operation of an individual component of a turbine cycle. The exergy destruction is also translated in terms of its environmental impact, since the irretrievable loss of useful work eventually leads to thermal pollution. The technique can be effectively used by practicing engineers in order to improve efficiency by reducing the avoidable exergy destruction, directly assisting the saving of energy resources and decreasing environmental pollution.


Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 788
Author(s):  
João Paulo de Lima Ferreira ◽  
Alexandre José de Melo Queiroz ◽  
Rossana Maria Feitosa de Figueirêdo ◽  
Wilton Pereira da Silva ◽  
Josivanda Palmeira Gomes ◽  
...  

The residue generated from the processing of Tacinga inamoena (cumbeba) fruit pulp represents a large amount of material that is discarded without proper application. Despite that, it is a raw material that is source of ascorbic acid, carotenoids and phenolic compounds, which are valued in nutraceutical diets for allegedly combating free radicals generated in metabolism. This research paper presents a study focused on the mathematical modeling of drying kinetics and the effect of the process on the level of bioactive of cumbeba residue. The experiments of cumbeba residue drying (untreated or whole residue (WR), crushed residue (CR) and residue in the form of foam (FR)) were carried out in a fixed-bed dryer at four air temperatures (50, 60, 70 and 80 °C). Effective water diffusivity (Deff) was determined by the inverse method and its dependence on temperature was described by an Arrhenius-type equation. It was observed that, regardless of the type of pretreatment, the increase in air temperature resulted in higher rate of water removal. The Midilli model showed better simulation of cumbeba residue drying kinetics than the other models tested within the experimental temperature range studied. Effective water diffusivity (Deff) ranged from 6.4890 to 11.1900 × 10−6 m2/s, 2.9285 to 12.754 × 10−9 m2/s and 1.5393 × 10−8 to 12.4270 × 10−6 m2/s with activation energy of 22.3078, 46.7115 and 58.0736 kJ/mol within the temperature range of 50–80 °C obtained for the whole cumbeba, crushed cumbeba and cumbeba residue in the form of foam, respectively. In relation to bioactive compounds, it was observed that for a fixed temperature the whole residue had higher retention of bioactive compounds, especially phenolic compounds, whereas the crushed residue and the residue in the form of foam had intermediate and lower levels, respectively. This study provides evidence that cumbeba residue in its whole form can be used for the recovery of natural antioxidant bioactive compounds, mainly phenolic compounds, with the possibility of application in the food and pharmaceutical industries.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alberto Palma ◽  
Javier Mauricio Loaiza ◽  
Manuel J. Díaz ◽  
Juan Carlos García ◽  
Inmaculada Giráldez ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Burning fast-growing trees for energy production can be an effective alternative to coal combustion. Thus, lignocellulosic material, which can be used to obtain chemicals with a high added value, is highly abundant, easily renewed and usually inexpensive. In this work, hemicellulose extraction by acid hydrolysis of plant biomass from three different crops (Chamaecytisus proliferus, Leucaena diversifolia and Paulownia trihybrid) was modelled and the resulting solid residues were used for energy production. Results The influence of the nature of the lignocellulosic raw material and the operating conditions used to extract the hemicellulose fraction on the heat capacity and activation energy of the subsequent combustion process was examined. The heat power and the activation energy of the combustion process were found to depend markedly on the hemicellulose content of the raw material. Thus, a low content in hemicelluloses resulted in a lower increased energy yield after acid hydrolysis stage. The process was also influenced by the operating conditions of the acid hydrolysis treatment, which increased the gross calorific value (GCV) of the solid residue by 0.6–9.7% relative to the starting material. In addition, the activation energy of combustion of the acid hydrolysis residues from Chamaecytisus proliferus (Tagasaste) and Paulownia trihybrid (Paulownia) was considerably lower than that for the starting materials, the difference increasing with increasing degree of conversion as well as with increasing temperature and acid concentration in the acid hydrolysis. The activation energy of combustion of the solid residues from acid hydrolysis of tagasaste and paulownia decreased markedly with increasing degree of conversion, and also with increasing temperature and acid concentration in the acid hydrolysis treatment. No similar trend was observed in Leucaena diversifolia (Leucaena) owing to its low content in hemicelluloses. Conclusions Acid hydrolysis of tagasaste, leucaena and paulownia provided a valorizable liquor containing a large amount of hemicelluloses and a solid residue with an increased heat power amenable to efficient valorization by combustion. There are many potential applications of the hemicelluloses-rich and lignin-rich fraction, for example as multi-components of bio-based feedstocks for 3D printing, for energy and other value-added chemicals.


2017 ◽  
Vol 139 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel F. Asokanthan ◽  
Soroush Arghavan ◽  
Mohamed Bognash

Effect of stochastic fluctuations in angular velocity on the stability of two degrees-of-freedom ring-type microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) gyroscopes is investigated. The governing stochastic differential equations (SDEs) are discretized using the higher-order Milstein scheme in order to numerically predict the system response assuming the fluctuations to be white noise. Simulations via Euler scheme as well as a measure of largest Lyapunov exponents (LLEs) are employed for validation purposes due to lack of similar analytical or experimental data. The response of the gyroscope under different noise fluctuation magnitudes has been computed to ascertain the stability behavior of the system. External noise that affect the gyroscope dynamic behavior typically results from environment factors and the nature of the system operation can be exerted on the system at any frequency range depending on the source. Hence, a parametric study is performed to assess the noise intensity stability threshold for a number of damping ratio values. The stability investigation predicts the form of threshold fluctuation intensity dependence on damping ratio. Under typical gyroscope operating conditions, nominal input angular velocity magnitude and mass mismatch appear to have minimal influence on system stability.


2016 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 491-515 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zeeshan Nawaz

AbstractThe catalytic dehydrogenation of iso-butane to iso-butylene is an equilibrium limited endothermic reaction and requires high temperature. The catalyst deactivates quickly, due to deposition of carbonaceous species and countered by periodic regeneration. The reaction-engineering constraints are tied up with operation and/or technology design features. CATOFIN® is a sophisticated commercialized technology for propane/iso-butane dehydrogenation using multiple adiabatic fixed-bed reactors having Cr2O3/Al2O3 as catalyst, that undergo cyclic operations (~18–30m); dehydrogenation, regeneration, evacuation, purging and reduction. It is always a concern, how to maintain CATOFIN® reactor at an optimum production, while overcoming gradual decrease of heat in catalyst bed and deactivation. A homogeneous one-dimensional dynamic reactor model for a commercial CATOFIN® fixed-bed iso-butane dehydrogenation reactor is developed in an equation oriented (EO) platform Aspen Custom Modeler (ACM), for operational optimization and process intensification. Both reaction and regeneration steps were modeled and results were validated. The model predicts the dynamic behavior and demonstrates the extent of catalyst utilization with operating conditions and time, coke formation and removal, etc. The model computes optimum catalyst bed temperature profiles, feed rate, pre-heating, rates for reaction and regeneration, fuel gas requirement, optimum catalyst amount, overall cycle time optimization, and suggest best operational philosophy.


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