A Unified Reactor Network Synthesis Framework for Simultaneous Consideration of Batch and Continuous-Flow Reactor Alternatives

Abstract

Determining the optimal operating mode (batch or continuous-flow) for chemical manufacturing remains a pressing open problem. Focusing on reactors, an accurate determination must account for fundamental differences between operating modes, the size and cost of the respective reactor units, and the potential of utilizing reactor networks to optimize performance. We present a reactor network synthesis framework that simultaneously considers batch and continuous-flow options while accounting for all the aforementioned factors. We introduce a non-dimensional model structure that encompasses all operating mode options, and its discretized representation, the orthogonal collocation on finite elements for reactors (OCFERE). This allows us to formulate a unified economic model and a framework for optimal reactor network synthesis. An illustrative case study is also provided.

Integration of reactor network synthesis: A literature review and opportunities for future research

“…However, in the past few years, some excellent research works have been done in this area. For instance, Davis et al 48 had studied the attainable region of the batch reactor networks, and Costandy et al 73 proposed a unified RNS framework for the simultaneous consideration of batch and continuous‐flow reactor alternatives. In the future, it will be more further researches in this direction.…”

“…Finally, they applied their proposed model to a biorefinery. Costandy et al 73 presented a reactor network synthesis framework that simultaneously considers batch and continuous‐flow options while accounting for all the aforementioned factors. They formulated a unified economic model and a framework for optimal reactor network synthesis.…”