Optimization of reactors with catalyst decay I — single tubular reactor with uniform temperature

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Abstract
The optimal choice of temperature with time is sought so as to maximize the total amount of reaction in a fixed time in a tubular reactor with uniform temperature and decaying catalyst. The single reaction is assumed to be irreversible with a rate expressible as a product of separate functions of temperature, activity and conversion. The rate of decay of activity is also a product of separate functions of temperature and activity but independent of conversion.To each total reaction time, there is a unique optimal policy. The policies are derived for various cases, distinguished by the ratio of activation energies for reaction and decay. Any optimal policy must end on the upper temperature constraint except for certain special cases. The stationary sub‐policy is shown to be one of constant conversion when the inlet conversion is constant. The stationary sub‐policy for a variable inlet conversion is also derived.Numerical calculations are presented to illustrate the optimal policies and a comparison of the present results is made with those of previous workers.

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