Simulation And Evaluation Of Butadiene Production From Ethanol Via One-Step Reaction

Abstract

1,3-butadiene is an important compound produced from the steam cracking process. Raising demand for alternatives to fossil fuels has led to an increase in bio-derived ethanol production, which can also be used as a feedstock for 1,3-butadiene synthesis. This research investigated the simulation of 1,3-butadiene production from ethanol using one-step process with 1.AI2O3/ZnO (60:40), 2.MgO-SiO2-Na2O (1:1)(0.1%) and 3.Hf2.5ZM1.6/SiO2 as heterogeneous catalysts. The process simulation was carried out using commercial Aspen plus 8.0 program and the heat utilization efficiency was evaluated by Aspen energy analyzer software. The process optimal condition sequences were identified by adjusting the separation distillation parameters which include the number of stages, feed location, distillate to feed ratio (D/F), reflux ratio and condenser pressure. To assess the process energy usage, the parameters examined are heat duty in separation column, total utility requirement, and energy saving. The results show that MgO-SiO2-Na2O (1:1)(0.1%) catalyst provides the highest production rate of 62,676 kg/hr. From heat integration, Hf2.5ZM1.6/SiO2 catalyst has the highest heat duty in separation column (17.14 MJ/kg.) and AI2O3/ZnO (60:40) catalyst has the lowest heat duty in separation column (0.5 MJ/kg.) Moreover. MgO-SiO2 -Na2O (1:1)(0.1%) has the lowest total utility requirement (5.72 MJ/kg.) Finally,Hf2.5ZM1.6/SiO2 process has the most energy saving after all total energy requirements have been assessed.