Design and Control of a Reactive Distillation Column Based on a Nonlinear Wave Propagation Theory: Production of Terephthalic Acid

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the design and control of a reactive distillation column for the synthesis of terephthalic acid (TPA) from dimethyl terephthalate (DMT). Both components are possible monomers for the production of fresh polyesters. The potential of reactive distillation for the hydrolysis of DMT was investigated, and the effects of the design parameters on the performances of the process were explored. A steady-state design and the dynamic behavior of the reactive distillation process were analyzed based on a nonlinear wave theory. Keeping the location of the column composition profile at the proper location was found to make the reaction zone active in the reactive distillation column, leading to a higher TPA yield. The proposed control scheme demonstrated excellent control of the reaction yield and product purity.