Optimization of the Production of 1,1-Diethoxybutane by Simulated Moving Bed Reactor

Jasper Spitters,Rui P. V. Faria,Jonathan C. Gonçalves,Alírio E. Rodrigues

doi:10.3390/pr9020189

Abstract

Simulated moving bed technology is applied in the field of pharmaceutical, petrochemical and fine chemistry. It shows capability in separating multicomponent mixtures up to high purities. In this work, an attempt was made to optimize the production of 1,1-diethoxybutane (DEB), using the simulated moving bed technology. A fixed bed model is made with good agreement with experimental results. This fixed bed model was expanded to a simulated moving bed model. This model was used to determine the optimum conditions regarding the switching time and flowrates in each section. From this model, the optimum switching time was found to be 2.4 min, and the ratio of liquid flowrate over the solid flowrate in Section 1Section 2Section 3 and Section 4 of the SMBR was found to be 4.24, 1.77, 3.03 and 1.35, respectively. Under those conditions, the productivity was 19.8 kg DEB per liter of adsorbent per day, and the desorbent consumption was 6.1 L of ethanol per kg of DEB. The results were obtained with a minimum purity of the extract and raffinate of 97%.

Highlights

One of the most relevant environmental issues is global warming due to the increase of CO2 in the atmosphere
The results regarding the fixed bed adsorptive reactor model validation and the optimization results attained through the extrapolation of the previously validated single column model to the multicolumn simulated moving bed reactor (SMBR) unit will be presented
In order to optimize the SMBR, the model of a single fixed bed has to be validated with experimental data

Summary

Introduction

One of the most relevant environmental issues is global warming due to the increase of CO2 in the atmosphere. Combustion of fossil fuels accounts for 82% of the increase of CO2 concentration [1]; a lot of research is focused on finding alternative fuels. The interest is even further increased due to the predicted shortage of fossil fuel reserves. A form of these alternative fuels are biofuels such as bio alcohols and biodiesel. Bioethanol is the most employed bio alcohol and it can be used in car engines pure or as a blend. Bioethanol is suitable for this use due to the high octane number and the high heat of vaporization [2]

Methods

Results

Conclusion