Optimal operating condition of membrane reactors to enhance isobutene production, selectivity and hydrogen production

In the isobutene synthesis process, coupling reaction and separation improves isobutene production and selectivity, reduces operation cost and lets to produce hydrogen. This study focuses on the steady state optimization of the isobutane dehydrogenation in hydrogen-permselective Pd/Ag based membrane reactors. The membrane reactors have been modeled heterogeneously based on the mass and energy conservation laws at steady state condition. The Genetic algorithm has been considered to optimize the operating condition of membrane reactors. Optimization results of membrane reactors are compared with conventional adiabatic reactors at the same catalyst loading. This optimal configuration has enhanced isobutene mole fraction about 16.4%.