Modeling, operability analysis and optimization of isooctane production over solid catalyst

AbstractThe main object of this study is modeling and simulation of isooctane production through isobutane alkylation in a multi stage fixed bed reactor at steady state condition. A heterogeneous one-dimensional model is developed based on the mass and energy conservation laws to calculate optimal operating condition of the reactors based on a multi objective optimization model. The simulation results show that there is an optimum value for olefin concentration in the feed stream to maximize process selectivity and isooctane production capacity. Then, the optimum butene concentration is calculated by TOPSIS decision-making method based on developed Pareto front. In addition, the performance of alkylation process to produce isooctane is analyzed, and the predicted component molar flow rate, conversion, temperature, and selectivity are presented.