A numerical experiment design study on a biodiesel production process

Advanced model-based experiment design techniques are a reliable tool for rapid development and refining of process models. Through two practical case studies, we demonstrate the validity of this approach as applied to planning of optimal experiments for complex kinetics elucidation. The need for an appropriate use of these tools, in particular a judicious problem formulation, is highlighted. A trade-off is found between the predicted precision of the estimates and important experimental aspects (for example, times and costs of the analytical work). The intelligent application of these techniques allows finding experiments which are suitable for the collection of data for complex kinetic reaction networks.