Feasibility analysis, synthesis, and design of reactive distillation processes: A focus on double‐feed processes

Abstract

A new approach for the feasibility analysis of reactive distillation processes based on the reactive extractive curve maps (rExCM) concept is introduced. A method dedicated to reactive distillation feasibility analysis, and design has been developed in our team since 1999. From minimal information concerning the physicochemical properties of the system, three steps lead to the design of the unit and the specification of its operating conditions. Currently, the procedure permits the conceptual design of hybrid reactive column configuration with one or two feed plates, for any number of equilibrium reactions (provided that the degree of freedom of the system is equal to 2) occurring in liquid or vapor phase. This contribution focuses on the most recent developments: the generalization of the feasibility analysis step to double‐feed processes thanks to the introduction of the rExCM concept. This methodology is illustrated through two examples: the emblematic methyl acetate example and the production of dimethyl methyl glutarate. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 2346–2356, 2012

Effect of Entrainer Thermodynamic Properties on the Separation of Ternary Mixtures Containing Two Minimum Boiling Azeotropes by Extractive Distillation

“…Therefore, phase separation cannot achieve separation of this azeotropic system. A special distillation method (i.e., azeotrope distillation, extractive distillation, and pressure swing distillation) is feasible to separate the azeotrope system. − Pressure swing distillation takes advantage of the pressure sensitivity of the system to break the boiling point by changing the pressure to achieve separation. Extractive distillation and azeotropic distillation achieve separation by introducing a new component that changes the relative volatility of the system.…”

Conceptual Design of Double‐Feed Reactive Distillation Columns

“…A feasible double-feed RDC contains a continuous pass from distillate to bottoms such that the rectifying and the stripping profiles both intersect the middle-section profile and determine the minimum energy demand (MED). Recently, Théry-Hétreux et al [4] introduced reac-tive extractive curve maps which are then combined with the BVM and simulation-based methods. Chin and Lee [1] also present a method which involves the calculation of all possible pinch points of the middle section and then draws the manifold of all possible composition profiles.…”

“…It is highly computational and with graphical inspection. Recently, Théry-Hétreux et al [4] introduced reac-tive extractive curve maps which are then combined with the BVM and simulation-based methods.…”