Martin LAPORTE

Hybrid Modeling of a reactive distillation using the software Matlab.

1. Development of a simple dynamic RD model that can be used in simulations to determine composition and temperature profiles over time and column length (starting point is A+B = C, e.g. ethylene glycol production). The ode45/ode15s solvers of Matlab are used.

2. Adapt the model to a more sophisticated model that represents a relevant case (modification to a one reaction step polyesterification reaction.

3. Test a few feed-change strategies with the model.

4. Development of an optimization tool that can be used to determine dynamic feed-change profiles over time that minimize the product transition time. The fmincon optimizer of Matlab will be used.

VMI RAYNERI (kneaders for bakery and Pastry and mixers for chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries), Montaigu, France

Analyzed the mixing using viscous fluids in a TRIMIX (vacuum homogenizer) to improve the central agitation. Compared several agitations about homogenization and power on 3 different scales and then allowed VMI to have a better agitation for viscous fluids. This allowed me to develop my understanding of mixing from the conception of agitations to the setting up of the tests.

HACH SAS (pure and ultra pure water analyzers), Troarn, France.

Determined the whole specifications of a hydrazine analyzer. Improved the measuring in the analysis cell by getting rid of the expensive basis product that was needed for the reaction with hydrazine. Developed and added mathematical formulas in the analyser software instead of the basis, thus making this analyzer cheaper.