OPTIMIZATION OF AN NORMAL-PENTANE ISOMERIZATION REACTOR

The optimization of the operating variables in a pentane isomerization reactor was studied. The isomerization reaction was carried out on a commercial Pt-Al//2O//3 reforming catalyst where there is the problem of catalyst decay due to the carbonaceous deposits. The system is described by a set of first-order partial differential equations which are hyperbolic in nature. The optimal control policies of this system were obtained using Pontryagin's maximum principle adapted to distributed parameter systems. The reactor inlet temperature and pressure and the molar ratio of the reactants which maximize the production rate of isopentane over the year were found.