Methanol and Butene are used as raw materials to undergo reactions and followed by a distillation operation. A reactive distillation model is used to study the operation.
This study aims to investigate the following objectives:
1. Analyze the distillation column profiles at various stages during MTBE production.
2. Examine the impact of key parameters on MTBE production yields.
3. Optimize the MTBE production process through systematic evaluation.
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| Methyl tertiary-butyl ether process simulation performed using Aspen plus simulator. |
Process conditions for tertiary butyl methyl ether :
- The operating temperature is selected at 320K, with a pressure of 1 atm
- The raw material input is controlled with an important parameter, to ensure better reactions a 3:1 feed ratio is selected
- Regarding catalyst management, the catalyst flow rate of around 204 kg catalyst per stage is adjusted.
The simulation obtained results for the above optimum condition reflected in the fixing of reflux ratio around 7 for the reactive distillation column
Chemical reaction equation of tert-butyl methyl ether:
tert-butyl methyl
ether chemically obtained by catalytic reactions of methanol and isobutylene:
| Main reaction: |
CH3OH + (CH3) 2CCH2
↔ CH3OC(CH3)3 |
The RD column consists of three sections:
1. Rectifying zone: Separates products from reactants
2. Reactive zone: Where the acid-catalyzed reaction occurs
3. Stripping zone: Removes unreacted feed components
Design Challenges
2. Mass transfer rates
3. Diffusion
4. Chemical kinetics
MTBE Production Simulation Basis
The MTBE production simulation is based on a 17-stage reactive distillation column, producing 197 mol/s (500,000 metric tons/year) of MTBE. Key parameters include:
Column Configuration
1. Total stages: 17 (numbered top-down)
2. Reactive stages: 8 (stages 3-10)
3. Catalyst mass: 6,400 kg (800 kg/tray)
4. Column pressure: 11 bar (10.87 atm)
5. Reflux ratio: 7
Feed Streams
1. Methanol feed: Stoichiometric excess
2. Mixed butenes feed (isobutene and 1-Butene)
Additional Details
1. Total condenser: Stage 0
2. Partial reboiler: Stage 16
3. Catalyst location: Middle stages (3-10)
Model of RD of MTBE process flow diagram:
To initiate the MTBE production process, a straightforward process flow diagram was developed. Methanol, in its liquid state, was pumped into the reactive distillation column, while butenes, initially in gaseous form, were compressed to achieve the required pressure. Both streams underwent pressure adjustments before entering the column. To maintain precise flow control, two control valves were strategically installed along each input line, enabling seamless dynamic studies later on. As the reaction progressed within the column, the output streams emerged, neatly labeled as distillate and bottom products. These output streams were similarly equipped with control valves, ensuring efficient flow regulation and paving the way for further process optimization and analysis.