Analysis and nonlinear control of an ethyl acetate reactive distillation column

This paper provides a multi-aspect comparison of selected methods of ethyl acetate production and shows the possibility of further reactive distillation process integration and sophisticated intensification including process stream regeneration. The production pathways were selected with respect to their practical applicability and sufficient experimental and feasibility studies already published. A total of four case studies were designed and compared: conventional process set-up (ethyl acetate is produced in a chemical reactor) is designed as a base case study; reactive distillation with a separation unit is derived from the conventional process set-up. The mechanical and chemical approach to reactive distillation process intensification and integration were assumed: reactive distillation column with a stripper and reactive distillation column with an auxiliary chemical reaction (ethylene oxide hydration). Process models were compiled in the Aspen Plus software. Complex process flowsheets of selected case studies including separation and regeneration were designed and optimized. Three different points of view were applied to evaluate the selected process benefits and drawbacks. Process energy, economy, and safety were assessed. As a result, a reactive distillation column with an auxiliary chemical reaction has been proven to be the most suitable pathway for ethyl acetate production assuming all three evaluated aspects.

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Dynamics and Control of an Ethyl Acetate Reactive Distillation Column

Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research ◽

10.1021/ie990633q ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 40 (3) ◽

pp. 833-849 ◽

Cited By ~ 55

Author(s):

Nishith Vora ◽

Prodromos Daoutidis

Keyword(s):

Ethyl Acetate ◽

Distillation Column ◽

Reactive Distillation ◽

Dynamics And Control ◽

And Control

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Multi-Objective Assessment of Heat Pump-Assisted Ethyl Acetate Production

Processes ◽

10.3390/pr9081380 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (8) ◽

pp. 1380

Author(s):

Branislav Šulgan ◽

Juraj Labovský ◽

Miroslav Variny ◽

Zuzana Labovská

Keyword(s):

Ethyl Acetate ◽

Heat Pump ◽

Distillation Column ◽

Reactive Distillation ◽

Process Models ◽

Final Decision ◽

Acetate Production ◽

Separation Unit ◽

Multi Objective ◽

Conventional Process

Multi-objective (energy–economic–safety) assessment of ethyl acetate production involving a heat pump is presented in this paper. The heat pump is designed to intensify ethyl acetate separation and to reduce the total operating cost. Two ethyl acetate production pathways are upgraded using a heat pump, conventional process and reactive distillation column with a separation unit. Detailed process models including the heat pump environment have been compiled and optimized in the Aspen Plus software. Both benefits and drawbacks of including the heat pump in the processes are evaluated using three different points of view: process energy, economics, and safety. As a result, using a heat pump is highly recommended in both conventional process and reactive distillation column with a separation unit. As a higher level of process integration is achieved using a heat pump, economic aspects are improved; however, safety aspects deteriorate. The final decision on the suitability of using a heat pump depends on whether it is proposed for an existing plant, or a completely new plant is designed. In a new plant, the concept of a thermally coupled process (reactive distillation column with a stripper column) has been proven to be the most promising.

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