Intensification of an Irreversible Process Using Reactive Distillation – Simulation Studies

In this study, a steady state simulation of the process for the production of xylene isomers by reactive distillation was performed using Aspen Plus software. The simulations were aimed studying the parameters like number of stages in the different sections of the RD column, reflux ratio, and the boil-up ratio, which maximize the conversion of Toluene and improves the selectivity and yield of the p- Xylene. Keywords: Reactive Distillation, Process Intensification, Toluene Methylation, Aspen Plus, Simulation Studies,

Study on the Simulation Control of Neural Network Algorithm in Thermally Coupled Distillation

Thermally coupled distillation is a new energy-saving method, but the traditional thermally coupled distillation simulation calculation process is complicated, and the optimization method based on the traditional simulation process is difficult to obtain a good feasible solution. The neural network algorithm has the advantages of fast learning and can approach nonlinear functions arbitrarily. For the problems in complex process control systems, neural network control does not require cumbersome control structures or precise mathematical models. When training the network, only the input and output samples it needs are given, so that the dynamics of the system can be controlled. In this way, the dynamic performance of the system can be approximated. This method can effectively solve the mathematical model of the thermally coupled distillation process, and quickly obtain the solution of the optimized variables and the objective function. This article summarizes the research progress of artificial neural network and the optimization control of thermally coupled distillation and the application of neural network in thermally coupled distillation.

Application of Reactive Distillation for Biodiesel Production Enhancement: An alkyl process

This article presents a reactive distillation simulation model of biodiesel production from the feed of 1,000 kg/h Jatropha oil. Starting with the verification of the conventional process at the purification sections and improve transesterification calculation, the model gives a realistic solution. GaussViewW and GAUSSIAN 03W are used to generate the molecular structure for other key compositions including triglyceride, diglyceride, and monoglyceride of oleic and linoleic acid which are major components of Jatropha oil. The biodiesel conversion 1.14 % and energy 1.36 %; requirement by the reactive distillation process are higher than the conventional process which the conversion of conventional process and reactive distillation are 98.2 and 99.8 respectively. However, reactive distillation can almost consume the reactant completely. While there are some triolein and diolein in biodiesel from the conventional process, these residues impact on the quality of biodiesel. The recycling system can also reduce fresh methanol by about 81%. The optimum conditions of reactive distillation are 2 stages of the reaction zone, no rectifying section, no stripping section, 5 reflux ratio, and 1 atm. The controllability of the process is studied by varying the feed oil ± 2%. The control structure of the process can handle these disturbances and keep the product at the desired specification.