Erample 1.3: Optimizing the Performance of a Batch Reactor Consider a batch reactor where the following two consecutive reactions take place: A1B2C Both reactions are assumed 10 be endothermic with first-order kinetics. The heat required for the reactions is supplied by sleam which flows through the jacket around the reactor (Figure I.10). The desired product is B;C is an undesired waste. The economic objective for the operation of the batch reactor is to maximize the profit over a period of time tn : that is, maximize =0k |frevenue from the sales of product B] - - cost of steam ) dt+cost of purchasing A (Li) where lnn is the period of reaction. The only variable that we can change freely in order to maximize the profit is the steam flow rate Q. The steam flow rate, which can vary with Figure 1.10 Hatch ieactor with iwo consecutive reactions