Discrete Optimization of a Styrene Production Process

This thesis will outline the two phases of my capstone design project for Chemical Engineering. The first goal was to simulate a styrene production process in Excel alongside my group members in ChE 451. During this phase, we looked at startup of the process and the first 12 years of operation. After the base case which included an isothermal reactor, the decision was made to switch to an adiabatic reactor based on net present value evaluations. Discrete optimization took place on the adiabatic reactor and the subsequent process. The second phase of my capstone project was the portion assigned to fulfill the requirements of the Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College Senior Thesis. To complete these requirements, my thesis group was tasked with simulating a fluidized bed reactor. After completion of the calculations for the reactor we were able to do an economic analysis. To compare the fluidized bed reactor and the isothermal/adiabatic reactors, we calculated the estimated annual operating costs. The specific details of this process is the subject of discussion within my thesis