Evaluation of coupled reactive distillation performances by means of a rigorous simulation procedure

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the non equilibrium model (NEQ) for multicomponent separation processes, including liquid and/or gas reactions. This model includes the finite mass-transfer rate described by Maxwell–Stefan equations. The bulk of both the vapor and liquid are perfectly mixed, and the resistance to mass and heat transfer is located in two films at the liquid/vapor interface (film theory). There are no restrictive hypotheses as to the nature and the localization of the chemical reactions. The chapter describes the original formulation of mass transfer and solves it to avoid the bootstrap problem. The resulting differential algebraic equations (DAEs) system is then solved. The chapter presents the resolution and focus on two keys points: the coherent initial state and the reduction of differentiation index. With several examples, a comparison between equilibrium stage model (EQ) and the NEQ model is affected and a sensitivity analysis is done to highlight the importance of the film thickness.