This paper presents a stochastic nonlinear model predictive control technique for discrete-time uncertain nonlinear systems with particular focus on the batch polymerization reactor application. We consider a nonlinear dynamical system subject to chance constraints (i.e. need to be satisfied probabilistically up to a pre-assigned level). This formulation leads to a finite-horizon chance-constra...

In this study, an innovative aerobic/anoxic sludge bed bioreactor with two feeding regimes, continuous-fed (an up-flow sludge bed reactor (USBR)) and batch fed (sequencing batch reactor (SBR)), was evaluated for the treatment of an industrial estate wastewater with low BOD(5)/COD ratio. The process performance in the two regimes was compared. Two numerical independent variables (retention/react...

Biodiesel as an alternative and renewable fuel could be applied in diesel engines in order to reduce air contamination and dependence to fossil fuels. So far, various processes were prepared for biodiesel production, but using transesterification method via base catalyst in batch reactors could result in a reasonable yield of biodiesel. At the present study, a batch tank reactor equipped to a h...

A transparent dual-channel microreactor with highly enhanced contact area-to-volume ratio was fabricated for efficient photosensitized oxygenations. The dual-channel microreactor shielded with polyvinylsilazane (PVSZ) consisting of an upper channel for liquid flow and a lower channel for O(2) flow, allows sufficient phase contact along the parallel channels through a gas permeable PDMS membrane...

A simplified approach to the model development and scale-up of a packed bubble column reactor from pilot semi-batch mode to continuous commercial operation has been presented. This is illustrated by choosing the reaction of ethynylation of formaldehyde to 1,4-butynediol for which correct reaction mechanism is difficult to postulate in the compelling safety limitations. The apparent reaction kin...

Model compound testing was conducted in a batch reactor to evaluate the effects of trace contaminant components on catalytic hydrogenation of sugars. Trace components are potential catalyst poisons when processing biomass feedstocks to value-added chemical products. Trace components include inorganic elements such as alkali metals and alkaline earths, phosphorus, sulfur, aluminum, silicon, chlo...

 It is well-known fact that batch processes are gaining wider ground in chemical industries. Compared with continuous processes the control of batch processes is more difficult because physical and chemical properties of the contents, such as heat capacity, heat transfer coefficient and reaction rate vary from run to run and within runs. The control problem focuses on the temperature control o...

Hospital wastewater contributes a significant input of pharmaceuticals into municipal wastewater. The combination of suspended activated sludge and biofilm processes, as stand-alone or as hybrid process (hybrid biofilm and activated sludge system (Hybas™)) has been suggested as a possible solution for hospital wastewater treatment. To investigate the potential of such a hybrid system for the re...

This paper deals with controlling of a semi-batch nonlinear reactor used for chromium sludge regeneration process. The aim is to process the largest amount of chromium filter cake (chromium sludge) in the shortest possible time. The reactor has to be cooled because of strongly exothermic process. For safety reasons the temperature should not exceed 100 °C. In this study the reactor is controlle...

The safe operation of a semi-batch catalytic reactor remains a sensitive issue when highly exothermic side reactions may occur, and various elements such as controllability, stability, safety, and economic aspects have to be considered in the process development. Nominal operating conditions are set to avoid excessive thermal sensitivity to variations in the process parameters. Several shortcut...