A cascade model including the Stefan-Maxwell model for mass transfer is developed to assess the feasibility of reactive distillation. The model fixed points are determined as a function of the Peclet number and other parameters, using a pseudo arc-length continuation method. The approach is illustrated with two examples: a parametric study of an idealized ternary system, and the esterification of acetic acid to produce isopropyl acetate. In the limit of little or no reaction, the fixed points are independent of the mass-transfer resistance, and a model based on phase equilibrium can be used for feasibility. When the chemical reaction rates or extents are more significant, the fixed points do depend on the Peclet number, and mass transfer can influence the feasible products. However, best estimates of the mass-transfer parameters and the processing conditions typical of reactive distillation indicate that these effects are small for the examples studied.

Effects of vapor-liquid mass transfer on feasibility of reactive distillation

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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