Sensitivity Analysis and Multi-Objective Optimization of Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane in a Fixed-bed Reactor over Vanadium/Graphene for Propylene Production

Oxidative dehydrogenation of light alkanes is an attractive route for the production of olefins. This method does not need much energy, while common processes such as propane dehydrogenation and cracking require external energy resources and cause rapid catalyst deactivation. In this research, an isothermal one-dimensional model of a fixed-bed reactor was considered for oxidative dehydrogenation of propane over a V2O5/graphene catalyst. Operational parameter sensitivity analysis showed that high temperature (450-500 degrees C), high pressure (7-8 atm), a moderate molar propane to air feed ratio (about 0.7), and a low feed flow rate enhanced the propane conversion and propylene productivity. However, for the production of propylene as desirable product, low temperature, low pressure, a high molar ratio, and a high feed flow rate are preferred. Thus, to determine the exact interval of operational parameter values, a multi-objective optimization was performed for the yields of propylene and COx, revealing a maximum propylene yield of similar to 40 %. For safety reasons, a feed molar ratio of propane to air of > 0.6 was preferred, which is not in the flammable region.