Analysis of the environmental impact of butylacetate process through the WAR algorithm

The WAR algorithm, a methodology for determining the potential environmental impact (PEI) of a chemical process, is applied to the case study of n-butyl acetate production. Two different schemes are considered: the conventional process, in which the reaction and separation are carried out in separated devices, and the reactive distillation process in which the reaction and separation are carried out in a packed column simultaneously. The WAR algorithm allows determining which process is better from the point of view of generation of PEI into the process, based on the output wastes and energetic consumption.