Abstract
This paper provides a multi-aspect comparison of selected methods of ethyl acetate production and shows the possibility of further reactive distillation process integration and sophisticated intensification including process stream regeneration. The production pathways were selected with respect to their practical applicability and sufficient experimental and feasibility studies already published. A total of four case studies were designed and compared: conventional process set-up (ethyl acetate is produced in a chemical reactor) is designed as a base case study; reactive distillation with a separation unit is derived from the conventional process set-up. The mechanical and chemical approach to reactive distillation process intensification and integration were assumed: reactive distillation column with a stripper and reactive distillation column with an auxiliary chemical reaction (ethylene oxide hydration). Process models were compiled in the Aspen Plus software. Complex process flowsheets of selected case studies including separation and regeneration were designed and optimized. Three different points of view were applied to evaluate the selected process benefits and drawbacks. Process energy, economy, and safety were assessed. As a result, a reactive distillation column with an auxiliary chemical reaction has been proven to be the most suitable pathway for ethyl acetate production assuming all three evaluated aspects.
Highlights
Ethyl acetate is known as one of the key organic solvents
Mass transfer correlation methods were selected to Another advantage of first the and equilibrium stage model (EQ) heat model is the possibility of faster testingaccording of individual case studies [28]
Mass and heat transfer correlation methods were selected according to the recommendation for the packing type (Rashing Ralu-Ring)
Summary
Ethyl acetate is known as one of the key organic solvents. It is widely used in various industries mainly due to its reasonable price, low toxicity, and suitable properties as a solvent [1].Global consumption of ethyl acetate has been steadily increasing over the last decades [2]. Ethyl acetate is known as one of the key organic solvents. It is widely used in various industries mainly due to its reasonable price, low toxicity, and suitable properties as a solvent [1]. Global consumption of ethyl acetate has been steadily increasing over the last decades [2]. The world’s annual production capacity is estimated at 3 million tons, which increases due to the growing consumption of ethyl acetate expected in the following years. It is necessary to intensify existing ethyl acetate production and to design new plants employing more efficient processes compared to the conventionally used ones. The use of direct Fischer esterification is still the most commonly used method to produce ethyl acetate. Ethanol and acetic acid are used as reactants in the presence of an acidic catalyst
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