Investigation the effects of operational parameters and multi-factor optimization of butene metathesis process via statistical approach

In this study, the production of propylene from 2-butene and 1-butene via the metathesis process was investigated and simulated. The effects of operational parameters, including reactor temperature, residence time, and 1-butene/2-butene molar ratio, on reactor performance were examined, and statistical models were developed. The design of experiment (DoE) was performed using the response surface methodology (RSM)-central composite design (CCD) approach for efficient experimentation and model development as well as optimization. The study's findings indicate a high conversion rate for 2-butene. By statistically analyzing the obtained data and performing analysis of variance (ANOVA), the influential parameters and their degree of importance were determined. Sensitivity analysis was conducted based on the developed models. Finally, using these models and desirability function as a powerful optimization algorithm, optimal conditions for the process were obtained. The results of the optimization showed that the maximum propylene molar fraction (32.5 %) was obtained at a temperature of 508.4 °C, a residence time of 20.7 s, and a 1-butene/2-butene molar ratio of 0.1.