Naphthalene sublimation. Experiment and optimisation based on neuro-evolutionary methodology

This paper presents experimental and simulation studies on spherical samples of naphthalene sublimation in the presence of air as driving agent. The mass transfer rates and the influence of air flow characteristics on mass transfer are investigated. The degree of sublimation and sublimation front position as function of time are also determined. A modelling and optimisation strategy based on neural networks and genetic algorithms, designed in simple and adaptive variants, is developed and applied for determining optimal working conditions which lead to the maximisation or minimisation of sublimation rate. Accurate results are obtained proving the efficiency of the neuro-evolutionary methodology.