Multivariable computer control of a butane hydrogenolysis reactor: Part I. State space reactor modeling

Abstract A state space model is developed for an existing nonadiabatic packed‐bed reactor which experiences axial and radial concentration and temperature gradients resulting from highly exothermic reactions involving several chemical species. The set of partial differential equations is reduced from three to two dimensions using orthogonal collocation. Further use of orthogonal collocation on the quasi steady state version of the differential …