Simultaneous design & control of a reactive distillation system – A parametric optimization & control approach

We present a detailed dynamic model for a reactive distillation system, based on which we develop design-dependent explicit optimal control strategies. A mixed-integer dynamic optimization formulation is then proposed integrating design, control and operational components, the solution of which allows us to derive explicit closed-loop strategies that maintain stable and operable conditions in the presence of process disturbances. The simultaneous approach is illustrated with the design of a methyl tert-butyl ether reactive distillation system example as a part of the developed model library in the RAPID SYNOPSIS project.