MODELING AND SIMULATION OF REACTIVE DISTILLATION OPERATIONS

Important aspects related to modeling and simulation of reactive disti llation processes are presented. Reactive distillation processes are s ystem specific and are subject to the sensitivity of the model paramet ers. The sensitive model parameters have been identified as those belo nging to the models describing the physical and/or chemical equilibriu m of the reactive system. The influence of the sensitive model paramet ers on simulation/design is highlighted through a systematic analysis of the models typically employed for steady-state and dynamic simulati ons of reactive distillation operations. For reliable and consistent s imulation and design of reactive distillation operations, a necessary first step is a systematic analysis of the model parameters and the de sign/operational variables. Validated numerical results from test prob lems involving two reactive systems are presented.