Modeling, Simulation, and Optimization of an Electroorganic Process Flowsheet

Simulation and optimization techniques that have not been previously applied to electrolytic applications have been implemented for an electroorganic process flowsheet. A model of an electrochemical reactor based upon fundamental principles was developed for the electrolytic oxidation of secondary butyl alcohol to methyl ethyl ketone in an aqueous sulfuric acid solution. Experimental measurements were performed to calculate rate constants for an adsorption isotherm for butanol on platinum in order to elicit a kinetic expression for use in the electrochemical reactor model. The entire process flowsheet was simulated and optimized by varying the fraction conversion of alcohol in the reactor so as to maximize the discounted cash flow rate of return for the flowsheet.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Chemical Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2014

Author dc:creator

• Cera, Gary Darryl

• Engineering, Chemical

Identifier

(UMI)AAI8409885

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/69737