SIMULATION AND OPTIMIZATION OF METHANOL TRANSFORMATION HYDROCARBONS IN AN ISOTHERMAL FIXED-BED REACTOR UNDER REACTION-REGENERATION CYCLES

Both simulation and optimization of the transformation of methanol int o gasoline and light olefins (intermediate lump in the kinetic scheme) carried out in an isothermal fixed-bed reactor under reaction-regener ation cycles have been studied by using the kinetics of the following: main reaction, catalyst deactivation, and catalyst reactivation. The catalyst is based on a HZSM-5 zeolite. Optimization of lumps of light olefins and gasoline has been carried out by calculating the optimum v alues of the length of time for reaction and combustion steps. The eff ects of other operating conditions (temperature and space time) on the optima have been studied. Suitability of the simulation routine has b een proven by carrying out cyclic experiments of reaction-regeneration under the optimum conditions calculated and by comparing the experime ntal results with those predicted by simulation.