Multi-objective optimization of maleic anhydride circulating fluidized bed (CFB) reactors

Abstract A detailed multi-objective optimization (MOO) study of a tuned model of a maleic anhydride (MA) circulating fluidized bed (CFB) commercial plant (CP) reactor is carried out using appropriate flammability and hydrodynamic constraints. The optimal operating conditions are found for the maximum MA productivity with the minimum feed. A series of optimization problems are solved, both with a single objective function (SOO: single objective optimization) and with multiple objective functions (MOO: multi objective optimization). The optimization of the MA CFB CP reactor results in approximately a 40% increase in the MA productivity as compared to the reported values of the demonstration runs (non-optimal) of this reactor. The effect of flammability and hydrodynamic constraints are analyzed. The optimal MA productivities of the MA CFB and fixed bed reactors show higher MA productivity (at the same feed rate) for the former.