Intensification of an Irreversible Process using Reactive Distillation– Feasibility Studies by Residue Curve Mapping

Reactive distillation processes are very promising in substituting Sconventional liquid phase reaction processes. However this technology is not suitable for all kind of processes or types of reaction. Therefore, assessing the feasibility of these process concepts forms an important area in current and future research and development activities. The present paper focuses on the feasibility studies based on the construction of residue curve maps for the toluene methylation system. The RCMs were constructed and analyzed; it is concluded that the process of synthesis of xylenes when carried out in the reactive distillation column enhances the selectivity of the desired para isomer. Keywords: Reactive Distillation, Residue Curve Maps, Feasibility Study, Toluene Methylation, Aspen Plus