Dynamics and Control of a Reactive Distillation Process for Fatty Acid Esterification

摘要

The paper investigates the dynamics and control of a reactive distillation (RD) process for fatty acids esterification using sulphated zirconia as catalyst, demonstrating the controllability of the process. The process consists of a RD column, a decanter and a vacuum evaporator. The flow rate of fresh acid is used as throughput manipulator. The alcohol recycle is fixed, and the fresh alcohol is added through level control. The setpoint of the recycle flow controller is adjusted, to avoid excessive changes of the reflux flow rate. Control of RD column reboiler temperature and evaporator temperature and pressure ensures the product quality.