Modeling, Control and Inversion of Multi-Phase Equilibrium Reactor Systems

We propose a simplified modeling approach for multi-phase reactor systems. The model can be used to determine system characteristics, explore parameter sensitivity and test control strategies. The model is based on the thermodynamic equilibrium assumption and invariant inventories to make it computationally inexpensive. We show that the control approach based on the overall inventories of the system can be effectively used for improved performance of such reactor systems. A multi-phase reactor system – the vapor recovery reactor used in carbothermic aluminum reduction process is considered to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed modeling and control approach.