Evaluation of Selectivity and Yield in the Design of Control Systems for the Production of Maleic Anhydride Carried Out in a Tubular Reactor

This study focuses on investigating the impact of the control structure for the production of maleic anhydride from butane in a tubular reactor on the selectivity and yield. A composition-temperature cascade controller was designed using the IMC method for the control structure. A perturbation in feed concentration and temperature of − 5% was induced to observe the responses of maleic anhydride concentration and jacket temperature. The secondary temperature control loop was found to affect the yield and selectivity of the feedback control. However, regardless of the position of where the chosen temperature sensor is located, selectivity and yield were affected in the same amount. These findings suggest that the selection of the control structure is a crucial factor in maleic anhydride production, as it can affect or benefit both selectivity and yield.