Improving the performance of a batch reactor using orthogonal collocation dynamic optimization method

Since batch reactors are utilized to produce a wide variety of specialty and valuable products, there is a growing interest to optimize batch operation to achieve high quality and purity products while minimizing the production of the undesired by-products. In this work the on-line dynamic optimization algorithms based on the orthogonal collocation on finite elements is employed to modify the inlet jacket temperature of a batch reactor in order to maximize the concentration of the desired product. An extended Kalman filter (EKF) is incorporated to estimate the uncertain parameters. Simulation results indicate that the proposed strategy improves the performance of batch reactor compared to the method where the optimal inlet jacket temperature is pre-determined.