Scenario-integrated on-line optimization of batch reactors

Abstract:
A key problem area in recipe design for exothermic batch reactors is the possible occurence of failure situations, in particular malfunctions of the cooling system. Scenario-integrated optimization has recently been developed in order to tackle these problems rigorously. This paper extends the ideas presented earlier to the on-line solution of scenario-integrated optimization problems. Due to high computational requirements, the problems are formulated only for special cases and on short time horizons. It is shown that the resulting MPC scheme can indeed optimize batch reactor recipes while simultaneously guaranteeing the enforcement of constraints, both for nominal operation as well as for failure situations. A literature example and an industrial polymerization reactor are treated to illlustrate these properties.

Keywords:
Batch processes, dynamic optmization, model predictive control, hybrid systems.

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