Analysis and experimental demonstration of forced periodic operation of an adiabatic stirred tank reactor: Simultaneous modulation of inlet concentration and total flow-rate

It is well known, that forced periodic operation possesses the potential for process improvements. Nevertheless, only a small number of applications is reported, due to complex realization, limited predictability and high inertia of larger units. Nonlinear frequency response (NFR) analysis has proven to predict efficiently time-averaged performance of reactor effluent streams originating from forced periodic changes of one or several input(s). Focus of this paper was an experimental demonstration of forced periodic operation applied to the hydrolysis of acetic anhydride carried out in an adiabatic CSTR. Theoretical results provided a guideline for experiments exploiting simultaneous sinusoidal modulations of the anhydride inlet concentration and the total volumetric flow-rate. Influences of the forcing parameters (amplitudes and the phase difference) were also studied. Confirming the predictions of NFR analysis a significantly higher time-averaged product yields were experimentally achieved compared to conventional steady-state operation with simultaneous modulation of two inputs using an optimized phase shift.

Automated summary

Forced periodic operation has the potential for process improvements, with NFR analysis being able to efficiently predict its effects. This paper experimentally demonstrated forced periodic operation in the hydrolysis of acetic anhydride, confirming the predictions of NFR analysis.