No abstract

Target-based synthesis is a systems approach to reactor synthesis; it maximizes the performance index of a chemical reactor network as measured by its objective function (such as yield or reactor volume). The approach converts the synthesis problem into an optimal control formulation in which the residence time density function and the micromixing function are the control variables. The optimal control problem is then solved by using a gradient-based algorithm that employs successive quadratic programing and adjoint variables. Examples are given to illustrate the approach taken.

Dr. C. Panchal (Co-PI, E3Tec Service, LLC): Dr. Panchal is a founder of E3Tec Service, LLC. His major responsibilities in this project are to support FMC to manage the project and work on the three aspects of the project: 1) thermal heat pump; 2) enhanced MEE evaporators; and 3) monitoring-based fouling mitigation. He will be assisted by an associate at E3Tec Service, Company. After serving for more than 25 years at Argonne National Laboratory, he took an early retirement in 2006 from Argonne to better serve the industry. Dr. Panchal has more than 25 years of heat/mass transfer research experience at Argonne with the focus on fouling mitigation, heat transfer enhancement, and compact heat exchangers. He helped to establish and manage the thermal science and fouling research at Argonne, making it nationally and internationally recognized in this field. He designed pilot-scale test facilities, conducted laboratory and field tests, and developed new measurement sensors. As a consultant to Energy Concepts Co. for six years (2000)(2001)(2002)(2003)(2004)(2005)(2006), he pursued waste-heat powered ammonia absorption refrigeration systems in petroleum refining and petrochemical industry.