Scaleup of Batch Reactors Using Phenomenological-Based Models

Abstract

This work presents a methodology for scaling up Batch Processes (BPs). First, a review of the most popular scale-up methods differentiating batch from continuous processing is made, finding that traditional scale-up approaches do not consider BPs characteristics and that many particular successful cases are reported, but no formal procedure has been developed for scaling up these processes. Considering these facts, a novel scale-up procedure is presented, in which a process Phenomenological-Based Semiphysical Model PBSM and its Hankel matrix are used for computing the State Impactability Index (SII) that allows to determine: (i) the process main dynamics at each stage of the batch and (ii) the critical point of the Operating Trajectory (OT) at which the batch must be scaled-up. Finally, the methodology is applied to a batch suspension polymerization reactor, comparing the scaled unit design when using this approximation and a traditional method.