Selection of internals for reactive distillation column -: case-based reasoning approach

The design of reactive distillation (RD) systems is considerably more complex than design of the individual, conventional reactors and distillation columns. One of the main issues in the design of RD column is a definition of type and specification of geometric features of the internal devices. In this work, there is described a design supporting tool for pre-selection of packing type for RD column. Case-based reasoning has been applied as a basic method for decision support. The computer system for pre-design of reactive column internals has been built as an implementation of developed methodology. The acid catalysed reaction of 2-methylpropylacetate synthesis was used to test the system. The CBR system can significantly reduce the development time for design of reactive distillation column and suggests a good start points for further design activity. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.