Mathematical Modeling and Simulation for Production of MTBE

ABSTRACT
In this thesis, theoretical investigations have been made concerning reactive
distillation columns. The detailed steady state modeling, and simulation are made
for two important oxygenates produced by reactive distillation columns, they are
methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) and ethyl tertiary butyl ether(ETBE).
This study was performed through several steps in order to construct and develop
an improved steady state model based
on recent manner of MESH equations ( Mass balance, Equilibrium, Summation
of composition, and Heat balance) the reaction portion added to the mass and
energy balance.
This model was developed to study the behavior of multi component non
ideal mixture in reactive distillation. The set of algebraic equations governing
steady state composition profile in a reactive distillation column are solved by
using Gausses elimination method.
The developed model can be employed to simulate the reactive distillation
operation. This model required the in advance specification of number of reactive
and non-reactive trays, the reflux ratio, composition and flow rates of the feed,
and heat duty to determine the result of the following:
• The liquid and vapor composition profiles.
• The temperature profile.
• The top product (distillate) flow rate, temperature, and composition.
• The bottom product (reboiler) flow rate, temperature, and composition.
• The reaction profiles for reactive trays.
An analysis is performed in order to show the impact on the reactive
separation system by adding or subtracting either non-reactive or reactive
separation stages, keeping constant number of total stages, and other variables
such as feed ratio, catalyst weight per tray, location of feed, and reflux ratio.
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