‘Feasible Products for Double-Feed Reactive Distillation Columns†

We have developed a quick and effective method to predict the feasible products from a double-feed reactive distillation column. The method relies on the prediction of the pinch point for the middle section, using a cross-flow arrangement of vapor−liquid continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTRs). The cross-flow model substantially simplifies the prediction of the compositions at both ends of the middle section of a two-feed column, which are then used to predict the feasible distillate and bottoms compositions, using existing methods. The cross-flow arrangement can also be used to predict minimum and maximum flows for double-feed reactive distillation columns.