Reactive distillation/ 1,1-diethoxyethane/ 1,1-dibutoxyethane/ acetalization/ kinetics

Abstract

This work focused on process development for synthesis of 1,1-diethoxyethane (DEE) and 1,1-dibutoxyethane (DBE) in reactive distillation. The RADFRAC module with equilibrium stage in Aspens Plus program was used to simulate the reactive distillation. The studies were divided into 2 main systems - one is combined synthesis of DEE and DBE in a single reactive distillation column and the other involves two reactive distillation columns for synthesis of each product in a separate column. The effects of design and operating parameters on acetaldehyde conversion, yield and purity of DEE and DBE were investigated. It was found that the synthesis in one reactive distillation column is not beneficial. For DEE synthesis, the suitable design and operating parameters are as follows: 3 stripping stages, 7 reaction stages, 2 rectifying stages, reboiler heat duty of 6000 kW and reflux ratio of 2, offering 70% conversion of acetaldehyde and DBE yield of 70% with 99.8% purity