Dynamic Simulation of A Reactive Distillation Column for Ethyl Acetate Production: Optimization of Operating Conditions Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to determine the optimum operating conditions for the production of ethyl acetate (EtAc) through the esterification of ethanol (EtOH) with acetic acid (HAc) in a reactive distillation (RD) column. For this, the designed RD column was simulated for the production of EtAc. HAc flow rate, EtOH flow rate, HAc feed stage, EtOH feed stage, reflux ratio, and reactive feed temperatures were changed and the effects of these parameters on EtAc production were observed. Central Composite Design (CCD) was employed to define the optimum operating conditions for the RD column. The second-order regression model for EtAc production was developed by using the program according to the independent variables. 3D graphs plotted with the CCD results were interpreted as per operating conditions. The model and terms presenting the value of p lower than 0.05 were significant. Most of the model terms were statistically significant for the interaction of the reactive flow rates with the reflux. The simulation results were analyzed using the ANOVA test to examine the interaction of response with independent variables, indicating that model regression was acceptable. The determination coefficient R2 was equal to 0.9197, suggesting a good relationship between the predicted and simulated responses. Adjusted R2 and predicted R2 values obtained from the program were 0.8823 and 0.7956, respectively. The optimal conditions for the EtAc production response were HAc flow rate of 120.00 kmol/h, EtOH flow rate of 150.00 kmol/h, HAc feed stage 6, EtOH feed stage 14, reflux ratio 2.2, and reactive feed temperature 70.28 °C, which were designated by the maximum desirability function.