Optimal Operation of Catalytic Flow Reversal Reactors

Catalytic Flow Reversal Reactors (CFRR) are a novel means for destroying harmful greenhouse gases at their source. These are autocatalytic, fixed bed reactors in which the feed flow direction is swtiched to ensure that the reactor temperature is maintained sufficiently high to ensure auto-ignition of the greenhouse gases. This project focuses the optimal operation of these novel reactors.

The CFRR is of interest for development of both control practice and theory, as they are nonlnear, distributed parameter systems, in which discrete events occur (e.g., the reversal of flow direction), and are operated in a transient matter (i.e., the operation is cyclic).

• Faculty: R, Hayes, J.F. Forbes, M. Guay (Queen's), M. Perrier & F. Bertrand (Ecole Polytechnique), L. Samavedham (NUS)
• Co-Investigators: A. Fuxman, N. Hudon (Queen's), S. Balaji (NUS)
• Funding: NSERC, NRCan