Modeling and simulation of reactive distillation column for the production of methyltertiary butyl ether (mtbe) incorporating structured or random packing
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Date
2018-06
Authors
Chan, Hui Yee
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Abstract
A simulation of reactive distillation column has been developed for the production
of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE). The proposed model was validated by comparing
the simulated results obtained from Aspen Plus with the simulation data from the
literature. The temperature and composition profiles obtained from simulations showed
close agreement with the literature reported data. The simulation basis of reactive
distillation column was set. It is assumed that the reactive distillation column has a total
number of 17 stages. The reactive distillation column has two feed streams, which is a
methanol feed on stage 3 and a mixed butenes feed on stage 11. The column pressure
used is 11atm. The reflux ratio is 7. With the optimised column configuration and
operating conditions, an isobutene conversion up to 99.9 was obtained through simulation.
There are 26 different structured and random packings available in Aspen Plus
V8.8 are selected in this research. 13 different structured packings and 13 different
random packings are simulated by using simulation basis proposed. The packing section
of MTBE synthesis set from stage 4 as starting stage and stage 11 as ending stage. The
height equivalent of a theoretical plate (HETP), pressure drop and liquid holdup has been
determined for different catalytic packing. Simulation results for MTBE synthesis are
compared with optimised results that cover the isobutene conversion and MTBE purity.