Stability of a Feed-Effluent Heat Exchanger/Reactor system for catalytic combustion of VOCs: Influence of variable emission patterns

In this contribution, a theoretical study of the dynamic behaviour (open- and closed-loop) Feed-Effluent Heat Exchanger (FEHE) / Reactor system for catalytic combustion Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) is carried out. An additional supply energy provided by means furnace to achieve desired reactor inlet temperature. The positive feedback source instability that leads pronounced limit cycles in main state variables. strong thermal oscillations predicted can damage catalyst cause considerable stress on both heat exchanger materials. To prevent scenario, control structure considers manipulation bypass flow feed stream around FEHE selected. A single-loop successfully applied maintain temperature set-point, rejecting VOC’s concentration disturbances enabling stable operation. results demonstrate controllability process ensured with high external supplies (low recovery FEHE) which increases fuel demand operating costs. Additionally, transfer area enables efficient avoids loss due suitable by-pass valve regulation.