Application of Simulated Countercurrent Moving-Bed Chromatographic Reactor for MTBE Synthesis

Synthesis of MTBE directly from methanol and tert-butyl alcohol is considered in a separative chemical reactor, which can be used to simulate a countercurrent chromatographic moving bed. A mathematical model is developed for a reactor configuration consisting of multiple columns connected in series in a circular arrangement with ports that can serve either as inlets or as outlets. The columns are packed with Amberlyst 15 ion-exchange resin, which acts as both adsorbent and catalyst. Experimentally determined adsorption and kinetic parameters are used in the mathematical model to predict the concentration profiles of the reactant and products. The effects of the switching time; the feed, solvent, and product flow rates; and the number of columns on the yield, selectivity, and purity of the desired product (MTBE) and the conversion of the limiting reactant (TBA) were studied systematically. The sensitivity study reveals that it is not possible to maximize the yield and selectivity of MTBE simultaneously, as some of the operating parameter act in conflicting manners.

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