Modeling and Simulation of a Batch Reactive Distillation Process with Column Heating

A solid catalyzed esterification reaction in a batch reactive distillation (BRD) apparatus was carried out to evaluate the start-up dynamics and steady-state characteristics. As a novelty, the column was provided with a heating jacket. A wall heating of 50 degrees C of the column gave the highest purity of distillate for this system of producing methyl acetate from a catalytic reaction between acetic acid and methanol. Experiments were performed with constant heat supply rate to the reboiler. Temperature and concentration dynamics as well as purity of the top distillate were recorded. A modeling approach was developed to validate the experimental results. A simulation code for energy and material balance under reaction and distillation conditions was developed and the experimental distillate composition of the top product was validated with simulation results for various heat input rates.