Novel Control System Strategy for the Catalytic Oxidation of VOCs with Heat Recovery

A theoretical study of the dynamic closed-loop behaviour a reactor/feed-effluent heat exchanger (FEHE)/furnace system for catalytic combustion volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is presented. 1D pseudohomogeneous plug-flow model proposed to simulate non-steady-state operation monolith reactor and FEHE, while furnace described by means heterogeneous lumped parameters. Positive energy feedback source instability that leads strong thermal oscillations (limit cycles) may cause damage equipment sintering catalyst. The design robust flexible control an efficient strategy are, therefore, required ensure safe stable operation. response under three different strategies most frequent disturbance variables—the feed flowrate (FV0) concentration VOCs (C0Et)—was evaluated. One consisted single-loop with servomechanism changes in inlet temperature (T0) manipulated bypass valve and, sequentially, natural gas (FNG). This approach made it possible meet objective (reducing VOCs) without losing controllability minimizing use external fuel.