STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF REACTION RATE DATA OF LIQUID PHASE SYNTHESIS OF DIMETHYL ETHER FROM METHANOL

The liquid phase catalytic dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether (DME) is a key reaction step in the single-step synthesis of DME from CO-rich syngas in a slurry reactor. The effect of process variables including temperature, pressure, impeller speed, and feed methanol flow rate on DME synthesis rate has been studied by a systematic 24 full factorial experimental design with single replicate. The significant effects and interactions have been quantified by F-tests. The estimates of significant effects have been obtained by Yates' algorithm. Residual probability and normal probability dots have been obtained to test model adequacy. Finally, a computational model has been developed to predict the DME synthesis rate alt various values of process variables. The model has excellent interpolational predictive capability as evidenced by parity plots.