Optimal operating conditions of radial flow moving-bed reactors for isobutane dehydrogenation

In this study, radial flow moving bed reactors for isobutane dehydrogenation have been modeled and simulated heterogeneously based on mass and energy conservation laws. The considered reaction networks in the model are isobutene dehydrogenation as main reaction, and hydrogenolysis, propane dehydrogenation as well as coke formation as side reactions that all occur on the catalyst surface. Then, the process condition has been optimized to produce more isobutene under steady state condition. To prove the accuracy of the considered mathematical model and assumptions, simulation results are compared with the plant data. As a powerful method in the global optimization, the genetic algorithm has been used to optimize the considered objective function. The isobutane conversion and isobutene selectivity under optimal conditions are about 40.1% and 91%, respectively.

Graphical abstractIn this research, the conventional dehydrogenation process consists of three series moving bed radial flow reactors have been modeled and optimized at steady state condition.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide