Authors

Abstract

In this paper the detailed mathematical dynamic model of semi-batch reactive
distillation is formulated for ethyl acetate synthesis (estrefication reaction).
The model is composed of material balance, heat balance, and equilibrium
equations. The set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations governing the
unsteady state composition profile in a semi-batch reactive distillation column
were solved by using fourth order Runge-Kutta integration method with the aid of
the powerful MATLAB 6.5 program which used to simulate and optimize the
semi-batch reactive distillation column.
The simulation provides compositions, temperatures and holdups profiles
along the column as a function of time. Also the reactant conversion and ethyl
acetate purity in distillate are calculated.
Finally, the simulation results are analyzed to find the optimum operating
policy of reflux ratio, Ethanol/Acetic acid and catalyst weight.

Keywords