Optimization of a Chemical Reactor Train

by Bahar Sansar

Submitted : Spring 2010

This project consists of the optimization of a Chemical Reactor Train. This reactor is the CSTR, Continuous stirred tank reactor, one of the reactor models used in engineering. The design equation for the CSTR and the cost function for a reactor are given. The following needs to be determined; the optimum number of reactors in the reaction train, the volume of each reactor and the total cost. By using the design equation for the CSTR, a relationship between the concentration of the reactant leaving the reactor and the concentration of the reactant entering the reactor for n numbers of reactor is determined. From this equality, the expression for the volume is found which also permits to determine the cost function for n numbers of reactors. By taking the first derivative and the second derivative of the cost function, the optimum number of reactors in the reaction train, that will minimize the total cost, is obtained. By knowing the number of reactors in the reaction train, the volume of each reactor and the total cost is calculated. Calculus can be applied to many different areas such as in chemistry as it is in this project. It permits, in this problem, to determine the right number of reactors to use, for a benefit that is accomplished by minimizing the cost of a chemical reactor.

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