Selectivity targets for batch reactive distillation

Reactive distillation has proved to be an important process alternative to the conventional reactor-separator configuration. Advantages of reactive distillation and flexibility of a batch process can be combined in batch reactive distillation. We present a simple method to estimate the advantage of using batch reactive distillation over conventional technology. For the examples studied, we determine yield and selectivity targets for a batch reactive distillation device. This method also determines the effect of operating parameters on yield and selectivity. We show that the advantage of using batch reactive distillation equipment is more significant for systems with fast side reactions. Comparison of these estimates with those for conventional reactors is useful for quick screening of process alternatives during process synthesis.