Modeling, Analysis, and Simulation of a Methyl tert -Butyl Ether Reactive Distillation Column

All the steps needed to build a reactive column simulator for the MTBE synthesis are analyzed. The column is modeled as a sequence of stages at partial equilibrium. The physical model adopted is discussed in depth as well as the resulting mathematical model. The solution algorithm, based on a Napthali−Sandholm-type method, is simple, robust, and time efficient. The simulation module is used to perform sensitivity analysis to structural and operating variables like total catalyst load, catalyst distribution, operating pressure, and reflux ratio, among others. The analyzed 11-component case study corresponds to a situation of practical interest.