Microwave-assisted Reactive Distillation: Simulation and Experimental Validation

The traditional reactive distillation process is not applicable to all reactive systems due to the difficulty of reaction-separation matching. The effect of microwave on specific systems will break this limitation, hence microwave-assisted reactive distillation (MARD) will broaden the industrial application of the reactive distillation technology. This study will systematically research the synthesis of di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate via MARD. The MARD process is simulated by adding side heat exchangers into each reactive stage. A microwave-transparent structured packing using the porous silicon carbide foam is proposed, avoiding absorption or reflection of microwaves. Results of pilot-scale experimental under 10
$\text{kW}/2.45$
GHz microwave demonstrate the accuracy of simulation, and the rapid removal of water by microwave will intensify the esterification reaction, indicating the advantage of MARD. The sensitivity analysis investigates the influence of operation parameters on reaction conversion, providing the basis of industrial application.