Abstract
A model is developed to describe kinetic effects in reactive distillation. A Damköhler number ( Da), the ratio of a characteristic residence time to a characteristic reaction time, is the key parameter. A comprehensive picture of solutions is found with arc length continuation methods that trace solution branches as functions of Da, reboil ratio, or reflux ratio. For methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) synthesis in the Jacobs–Krishna column configuration, the model reproduces known solution multiplicities in the limit of reaction equilibrium. In addition to these previously known equilibrium solutions, we report new results concerning the effect of kinetics on solution multiplicity. In particular, isolated solutions branches are found at several values of Da; the isola shrinks and disappears below a critical value of Da. Results for tert-amyl methyl ether (TAME) synthesis in a model for the test column of Mohl et al. [Chem. Eng. Sci. 54 (1999) 1029] are in sharp contrast; multiplicities present in the kinetic regime disappear above a critical value of Da for all values of reflux ratio.
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