MODERATOR AND CATALYST PERFORMANCE OPTIMIZATION FOR EPOXIDATION OF ETHYLENE

A method for maximizing the selectivity (S) of an epoxidation catalyst in an ethylene oxide reactor system, comprising: receiving a measured reactor selectivity (Smeas), a measured reactor temperature (Tmeas), and one or more operational parameters from an ethylene oxide production system configured to convert, in the ethylene oxide reactor system, a feed gas comprising ethylene and oxygen into ethylene oxide in the presence of the epoxidation catalyst and a chloride-containing catalyst moderator. The epoxidation catalyst comprises silver and a promoting amount of rhenium (Re), and the measured reactor selectivity (Smeas), the measured reactor temperature (Tmeas), and the one or more operational parameters comprise real-time and historical operating data points over time generated by the ethylene oxide production system. The method also includes using a processor to (a) calculate, using a model, for each time point, a model-estimated selectivity (Sest) and a model-estimated temperature (Test) of the epoxidation catalyst at an optimum moderator level (Mopt). The model-estimated selectivity (Sest) and the model-estimated temperature (Test) are determined based on at least one operational parameter of the one or more operational parameters at said time points, the at least one operational parameter does not include a moderator level, and the model is based, at least in part, on empirical historical data associated with the epoxidation catalyst, the ethylene oxide production system, or both. The method also includes using the processor to (b) determine a difference (?S) between the measured reactor selectivity (Smeas) and the model-estimated selectivity (Sest) and a difference (?T) between the measured reactor temperature (Tmeas) and the model-estimated temperature(Test) for each of the time points, (c) fit a curve to the delta selectivity (?S) data points as a function of the corresponding delta temperature (?T) data points to obtain a fitted curve, (d) determine a real-time relative effective moderator level (RCleffreal-time) based on the fitted curve and real-time values of ?S (?Sreal-time) and ?T (?Treal-time) and (e) output an actionable recommendation based on the real-time RCleff. The method further includes using the processor to (f) display the actionable recommendation on a display. L'invention concerne un procédé permettant de maximiser la sélectivité (S) d'un catalyseur d'époxydation dans un système de réacteur à oxyde d'éthylène, comprenant : la r