Journal of Chemical Engineering Research Progress
2026: JCERP, Volume 3 Issue 1 Year 2026 (June) (Issue in Progress)

Optimizing of Temperature and Pressure in a Modified Plug Flow Reactor to Enhance Benzene Conversion with Process Simulation Software

Hutabarat, Ardi Wiranata (Unknown)
Sitio, Arnanda R.H. (Unknown)
Zahkia, Ar Rahma Intan (Unknown)
Damanik, Azhari Eliana (Unknown)
Huda, Muhammad Danil (Unknown)
Pulungan, Padilah Ulpah (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

The increase in industrial dependence on benzene demands a more efficient, high-conversion hydrodealkylation (HDA) process. The HDA of toluene is highly sensitive to temperature and pressure, and inaccuracies in operating conditions can cause side reactions and accelerate catalyst deactivation. This study determined optimal temperature–pressure conditions in a plug flow reactor through steady-state Aspen HYSYS simulation using the Peng–Robinson model and parameter interaction analysis in Design Expert. The results showed a synergistic effect, with temperature as the dominant factor and pressure enhancing conversion. Optimal conditions of 710.8 °C and 67.6 atm produced 90.39% conversion, while the lowest conditions resulted in < 5%. These findings confirm that precise control of operating parameters improves reactor performance and hydrogen utilization, supporting a more stable and energy-efficient HDA process. Copyright © 2026 by Authors, Published by Universitas Diponegoro and BCREC Publishing Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jcerp

Publisher

Subject

Chemical Engineering, Chemistry & Bioengineering Energy Engineering Materials Science & Nanotechnology

Description

The Journal of Chemical Engineering Research Progress (e-ISSN: 3032-7059; Short Abbreviation Title: J. Chem. Eng. Res. Prog.) is an international research journal and invites contributions of original and novel fundamental research. The JCERP journal aims to provide an international forum for the ...