A Generic Feasibility Study of Batch Reactive Distillation in Hybrid Configurations

Abstract

A new graphical feasibility method is developed to investigate batch reactive distillation processes in middle vessel column. The suggested methodology can deal with fully reactive, nonreactive, and complex column configuration. A new formulation is suggested to describe the composition profiles in the reactive sections. Its application has made possible to develop a generic feasibility methodology containing the same model equations independently of the presence or absence of reaction. By combining the reactive and nonreactive models, not only the fully reactive and fully nonreactive but also hybrid configurations can be studied. Feasibility criteria related to the hybrid configurations are also presented. Application of the new methodology is demonstrated on the production of ethyl acetate in batch reactive distillation. Five configurations are found feasible; pure EtOAc is produced as distillate, and pure H2O is produced at the bottom. In each case, continuous feeding of AcOH is necessary. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 55: 1185-1199, 2009.