Abstract：A new reactive distillation configured side-reactor column was designed for the reversible continuous ester exchange reaction of dimethyl carbonate and ethanol to produce methyl ethyl carbonate. The transesterification reaction and distillation separation could be carried out under optimal operating conditions respectively, and a new process flowsheet was constructed combined with an atmospheric refining tower and a high-pressure recovery tower for producing methyl ethyl carbonate. With the goal of minimizing the annual total cost (TAC), an improved bat algorithm was used to optimize the process parameters such as total number of distillation trays, feed position, catalyst loading, number of side reactors, and side line extraction position using Aspen Plus and Matlab software. Under the optimal process conditions, the TAC of the unit EMC was 10.48 $/kmol. A temperature proportional plant-wide control scheme for the complete flowsheet had been proposed, with the addition of ±10% dimethyl carbonate feed flow disturbance, which had good robustness and provides basis for industrial design and stable operation of the plant.
YANG Xinyue,GU Chuwen,JIANG Yangqi et al. Design and Optimization of Methyl Ethyl Carbonate Preparation Using Side-Reactor Column Configuration[J]. Chemical Reaction Engineering and Technology, 2025, 41(1): 191-200.
