Study on Hydrolysis of Methyl Acetate in a Catalytic Distillation Column

A nonequilibrium stage model was used to simulate countercurrent multicomponent catalytic distillation processes for methyl acetate hydrolysis. Computations of stage efficiencies or height equivalent to a theoretical plate (HETP) were entirely avoided by this model. The consistency of simulated results and experimental data in conversions and concentration of each component along a column indicates that the model predicts the actual process well. The influences of operating parameters on hydrolytic conversions, such as feed molar ratios, feed locations, feed and reflux rates, heights of reactive and stripping sections, were analyzed adequately by simulating calculations. A good operating mode was then obtained, which is helpful to the development of a new process.