DYNAMIC MODELING OF SIMULTANEOUS REACTION AND DISTILLATION IN A SEMIBATCH REACTOR SYSTEM

A dynamic model for a system containing a semi-batchwise operating rea ction vessel connected to a distillation unit was developed. The appro ach consisted of kinetic equations for the reactions as well as a dyna mic model for the distillation unit. As an example reaction, the catal yzed polyesterification of maleic acid with propylene glycol was used. The kinetic and the mass transfer parameters at 170 degrees C were es timated from experimental data. The fit of the model to the data indic ated that the approach is suitable for the description of semibatch li quid phase reaction-separation systems. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.