Feasible Design of Multi-component Heterogeneous Reactive Distillation

A feasibility evaluation procedure for reactive extractive distillation is proposed on the basis of the graphical analysis in the composition space. To do this, the feasible direction of the composition trajectory is defined and its profile is traced in composition space. Thermodynamic constraints from reaction/phase equilibria and operational constraints from material balances are also determined and plotted in the composition space. If the composition trajectory goes toward the desired direction while circumventing phase equilibrium limitations, the complete reaction conversion and recovery of pure products are possible through reactive extractive distillation. To confirm validity of this graphical evaluation method, the feasibility for the reactive extractive distillation of isopropyl acetate esterification is evaluated to understand how an external entrainer can lead to the full reaction conversion and the recovery of pure products.