Optimized Artificial Neural Network for Evaluation: C4 Alkylation Process Catalyzed by Concentrated Sulfuric Acid

In this work, an artificial neural network was first achieved and optimized for evaluating product distribution and studying the octane number of the sulfuric acid-catalyzed C4 alkylation process in the stirred tank and rotating packed bed. The feedstock compositions, operating conditions, and reactor types were considered as input parameters into the artificial neural network model. Algorithm, transfer function, and framework were investigated to select the optimal artificial neural network model. The optimal artificial neural network model was confirmed as a network topology of 10-20-30-5 with Bayesian Regularization backpropagation and tan-sigmoid transfer function. Research octane number and product distribution were specified as output parameters. The artificial neural network model was examined, and 5.8 × 10^-4 training mean square error, 8.66 × 10^-3 testing mean square error, and ±22% deviation were obtained. The correlation coefficient was 0.9997, and the standard deviation of error was 0.5592. Parameter analysis of the artificial neural network model was employed to investigate the influence of operating conditions on the research octane number and product distribution. It displays a bright prospect for evaluating complex systems with an artificial neural network model in different reactors.