Optimization of Methanol Synthesis under Forced Periodic Operation

Traditionally, methanol is produced in large amounts from synthesis gas with heterogeneous Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalysts under steady state conditions. In this paper, the potential of alternative forced periodic operation modes studied using numerical optimization. The focus a well-mixed isothermal reactor two inputs, namely, CO concentration feed and total flow rate. Exploiting detailed kinetic model which also describes dynamics catalyst, sequential NLP optimization approach applied to compare optimal solutions regimes. Periodic are calculated dynamic periodicity constraint. embedded multi-objective framework optimize process respect objective functions generate corresponding Pareto fronts. first outlet second yield based on carbon feed. Additional constraints arising complex reaction practical limitations introduced step by step. results show that significant improvements for both possible through forcing inputs considered here.