MODELING AND SIMULATION OF A REACTIVE DISTILLATION UNIT FOR THE PRODUCTION OF TAME

Abstract

In the present work, theoretical investigation has been done related to reactive distillation columns. The main objectives of this research are developing a dynamic model for the reactive distillation of TAME, simulation of the model using ASPEN PLUS to study the steady state and dynamic responses of the system and studying the effects of change in column pressure on TAME produced by reactive distillation. ASPEN PLUS software has the capabilities of solving Reactive Distillation Processes, but it requires inputs of various operating and design parameters. In this work, an extensive literature survey of the previous research related to reactive distillation column has been done to gain deep insight into the technology. Further, a mathematical model has been developed to simulate the production of TAME in a reactive distillation unit. The model was used to study the dynamic behavior of the column. The main conclusion of this work is that the increase in pressure corresponds to a drop in product purity. Also, the rise in pressure corresponds to the rise in temperature of each stage. Increase in temperature which, in the present work, is the result of increase in pressure has two opposing effects on TAME concentration.