The use of calorimetry for on-line optimisation of isothermal semi-batch reactors

This paper considers the maximisation of conversion by manipulating the input flowrate for an exothermic second-order esterification reaction (propionic anhydride + 2-butanol) performed in a semi-batch reactor. Safety considerations impose bounds on the heat release rate in normal operation and on the maximum attainable temperature in the case of cooling failure. The optimal time-varying input flowrate is calculated on-line using a heat balance over the reactor. Significant improvement over the best constant feed rate can be achieved.