Modelling and Multi-Objective Optimization of the Sulphur Dioxide Oxidation Process

Sulphuric acid (H2SO4) is one of the most produced chemicals in world. The critical step sulphuric production oxidation sulphur dioxide (SO2) to trioxide (SO3) which takes place a multi catalytic bed reactor. In this study, representative kinetic rate equation was rigorously selected develop mathematical model perform multi-objective optimization (MOO) objectives MOO were SO2 conversion, SO3 productivity, and catalyst weight, whereas decisions variables inlet temperature length each bed. studies performed for various design scenarios involving variable number beds different reactor configurations. process mainly comprised two steps: (1) determination Pareto domain via large non-dominated solutions, (2) ranking Pareto-optimal solutions based on preferences decision maker. Results show that four with an intermediate absorption column provides higher marginally superior without column. Both are close ideal optimum, where would be adjusted always at maximum reaction rate. clearly highlight compromise existing between productivity weight.