Modeling And Optimization Of Ethylbenzene Dehydrogenation Into Styrene

The major commercial process for the production of styrene is the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene, this process consist of alkylation of benzene with ethylene, purification of ethylbenzene, dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene and purification of Styrene.Parameters in reaction kinetic equations, which were obtained from reported literatures, of alkylation, transalkylation and ethylbenzene dehydrogenation were estimated based on a series of historical operating data and plant analysis data, using differential evolution algorithm. The parameters have been verified against the plant data, and found that the simulation result fit the plant data well. A one-dimensiona homogeneous dynamic mathematical model was developed for the ethylbenzene dehydration reactors. Step disturbances have been simulated base on the dynamic model.In order to reduce the energy consumption of per unit styrene product, the effect of various factors on comprehensive energy consumption have been analyzed with considering of material and energy flow coupling between unit operations, in the prospect of the whole process mathematical model of ethylbenzene and styrene which were established in Aspen Plus. Based on the analysis, an optimization scheme was derived, the simulation turned out that the scheme would minize energy consumption significantly.At last, in order to enhance the applicability and convenience of the model a set of optimization system was developed, which was based on rigorous model. The system will provide key operation variable value, under the circumstance of process indicators constraints, to guide workers to operate economically.