A comparative study of reverse flow chromatographic reactor and fixed bed reactor: A multi-objective optimization approach.

In this study, we have carried out a comparative analysis of a fixed bed reactor (FBR) and reverse flow chromatographic reactor (RFCR) for a series reaction. This comparison has been carried out using mathematical model based single and multi-objective optimization. In addition, since the model merely approximates the actual process, there is an inherent presence of uncertainty in it. To account for the uncertainty, optimization is done considering the uncertainty in the key model parameters. Three objective functions are used in this work for the comparative study, namely yield, selectivity, and conversion. The decision variables used in the optimization problem are the inlet concentration, Damkohler number, and dimensionless switching time. The multi-objective optimization results have been analysed in terms of optimal Pareto fronts for three bi-objective and one tri-objective optimization problems. A detailed analysis of the Pareto fronts for both the reactors is presented for five distinct representative Pareto points. The results of the work indicated the superiority of RFCR over FBR. In particular, a representative Pareto point solution of 3-objective problem in RFCR corresponds to 51.36% higher yield, 27.06% higher selectivity and 19.15% higher conversion as compared to FBR. [Display omitted] • Multi-objective optimization study of reverse flow chromatographic reactor and fixed bed reactor. • Process criteria for the multi-objective study include the maximization of yield, selectivity, and conversion. • Optimization variables include switching time, Damkohler number and inlet concentration. • RFCR shows 51.39%, 27.06%, and 19.15% improvement in yield, selectivity, and conversion, respectively as compared to FBR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]