PERFORMANCE OF ESTERIFICATION IN REACTION-DISTILLATION COLUMN
Systematic methods and tools for managing the complexity
Process Simulation & Optimization - III (T4-9c)
Keywords: Conventional and Unconventional Batch Distillation Column, Batch Reactive Distillation, Optimal operation, Rigorous model
The employment of distillation in which chemical reactions take place is becoming more and more common in chemical industries. The advantage is that two processes are occurring simultaneously in a single unit as a result of which capital and operating costs are considerably lower [1]. This combined unit operation, called reactive batch distillation. It is particularly suitable when one of the reaction products has a lower boiling point than other products and reactants [2]. It can achieve higher conversion levels than conventional processes for selected chemical reaction.
In this work a comparative study of performance of conventional and unconventional batch distillation column is presented for esterification reaction of ethanol and acetic acid to produce ethyl acetate (main product) and water. Rigorous model with chemical reaction was used as a model equation. It includes mass and energy balances, column hold up, rigorous phase equilibrium, chemical reaction on the plates, in the reboiler and in the condenser but not in the product accumulator. For a given objective function the performance of various scenarios and optimal operating values for reflux ratio and acetic acid amount which is added has been determined according to a maximum conversion of the limiting reactant subject to product purity constraints. The optimal amount of the product is calculated
The effect of changing feed composition has been studied to enhance the overall conversion of product and two cases have been investigated, the first one is a single feed containing a mixture of ethanol and acetic acid and the second one is a mixed feed with additional acetic acid feed entering.
[1] Sawistowski I. H and. Pilavakis. P.A, Chem.Eng.Sci, 43(1988), 355.
[2] Mujtaba, I.M., Batch Distillation ‘Design and Operation’ (Series in Chemical Engineering-vol.3, Imperial Collage Press. 2004.
See the full pdf manuscript of the abstract.
Presented Wednesday 19, 12:20 to 12:40, in session Process Simulation & Optimization - III (T4-9c).
