Energy-Efficient Reactive Dividing Wall Column for Simultaneous Esterification of n-Amyl Alcohol and n-Hexanol

Abstract

This study reports significant energy savings of combined reaction and distillation in a single reactive dividing wall column (RDWC) for the concurrent production of pure n-amyl and n-hexyl esters, which are the stable node (SN) in each phase diagram of the quaternary reaction system. The continuous removal of the byproduct, water, from the unstable node (UN) azeotrope by L-L decantation drives the two esterifications in the forward direction and enables the production of the pure ester products. A vapor recompression heat pump (VRHP) is introduced to the RDWC and the annual operating cost is reduced to 62.5% of the case without the VRHP. Implementing the multiple reactions with V-L-L separation in a single RDWC and its heat integration through the VRHP may provide chemical industries with enhanced economic feasibility.