From semi-batch to continuous tubular reactors: A kinetics-free approach

A methodology, which does not require any kinetic information, for the rigorous transformation of an isothermal, homogeneous semi-batch process into an equivalent continuous side-fed tubular reactor was developed. Once the semi-batch process parameters are known, the proposed methodology allows for easily defining all the process parameters of a side-fed tubular reactor that guarantees the same performances as the original semi-batch process, in terms of conversion and product characteristics. Two different case studies were selected to investigate the potential of the proposed approach: a copolymer synthesis and the production of a fine chemical, clearly showing the need of a rigorous transformation of the semi-batch process into the continuous one since productivity and product quality are strongly affected by the feeding policy.