2011 : Design and control of reactive-distillation process for the production of diethyl carbonate via two consecutive trans-esterification reactions

Prof.Ir. Renanto M.Sc Ph.D

Abstract

A reactive-distillation process to produce diethyl carbonate (DEC) and methanol (MeOH) from dimethyl carbonate (DMC) and ethanol (EtOH) via two consecutive trans-esterification reactions is proposed in this study. In the design study, an unusual feed location design of the reactive-distillation column is needed to suppress the formation of the intermediate (ethyl–methyl carbonate, EMC) while achieving near complete conversion of the limiting reactant. The heavier DMC feed should be located at the bottom of the reaction section, while the lighter EtOH feed should be located at the top part of the reaction section. The comparison of the TAC of this proposed design to that of a traditional process will be given which shows great benefit to utilize the reactive-distillation technology. Finally, a simple control strategy is proposed with only one temperature loop in each column. The proposed control strategy works …