ABSTRACT
Petrochemical processes transform feedstock into new materials either by changing molecular structure via chemical reactions, by separating complex mixtures into various materials, or by mixing materials. This chapter presents hybrid modeling approaches to the modeling of chemical reactors and distillation towers. The purpose of developing a hybrid model is to reduce the number or complexity of the equations required to represent the process with sufficient accuracy. In order to maintain conservation of mass and energy, the hybrid model includes mass and energy balances. Calculation of enthalpies required for energy balances is simplified by considering energy/mass instead of energy/mole. Approximations of heat transfer, mass transfer, chemical conversion, or component separation are illustrated by examples of models of various types of equipment.
