Optimal feed profile for a second order reaction in a semi-batch reactor under safety constraints - Experimental study

Maximising the yield of the second order reaction (2-butanol+propionic anhy dride) by manipulating the inlet flow rate is considered fur an isothermal semi-batch process. First a procedure for the determination of the kinetic parameters using coupled spectroscopic and calorimetric methods is presente d. Then an optimisation of the reaction system is performed numerically and verified experimentally. Constraints on the amount of heat produced and on the temperature attainable in the case of cooling failure are imposed for safety consideration. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.