Design and Optimization of a Monomer Processing Reactor

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to design and to modify a monomer reactor tank in order to achieve higher output production of bio-monomer. The main aspect of this design is based on producing good quality and higher yielding of monomer. The design was started on lab scale process of 2L beaker into a 5L reactor. The most important point of the design is to produce larger amount of monomer as compared to lab scale equipment. Selecting material is vital on the process and cost for fabricating the reactor. It is to prevent chemical corrosion on the reactor and to produce higher yield of monomer with cost effective way. The optimization and analysis of the design and materials of a reactor were based on influence of heat and chemical resistance on the reactor. The design and analysis process were done using Solidworks and chemical resistance were based on the standard chemical chart for common materials used for a reactor. The best material for the reactor is Stainless Steel 316 based on chemical chart, heat resistance and cost effective. The yielding of monomer is more than 100% by lab scale method with predetermined controlled parameters of stirring speed and temperature. There were small differences between every samples. At 80°C, the yielding of monomer is the highest while the by product (water) is the lowest. Meanwhile, at 60°C the monomer yielding is the lowest with highest by-product.