Edreder E., Emtir M., Mujtaba I., 2015, Performance Analysis of Batch Reactive Distillation Column using Different Measures, Chemical Engineering Transactions, 45, 1795-1800.
Batch distillation with chemical reaction when takes place in the same unit is referred to as batch reactive distillation process. The combination reduces the capital and operating costs considerably. Among many different types of batch reactive distillation column configurations, conventional (CBRD) and middle vessel batch reactive distillation (MVBRD) columns are considered here for hydrolysis of methyl lactate and only CBRD is considered for an esterification of acetic acid and ethanol. Three different measures such as Maximum Profit under Fixed Demand (Measure 1), Maximum Productivity (Measure 2) and Minimum batch time (Measure 3) are used here to evaluate the performances of different columns. Optimal design and or operation policies are obtained under these measures and are compared. A detailed rigorous dynamic model consisting of mass, energy balances, chemical reaction and thermodynamic properties is used for evaluating the column performance.
