Abstract

The technical re-conversion of MTBE process to produce ETBE was studied, using a non-equilibrium model in catalytic distillation with an UNIFAC method at steady state. The simulation was carried out in Aspen Plus, analyzing the possibility of using the actual installations of the MTBE plant as it works, to produce ETBE. The study is focused on the reactive and the catalytic distillation sections, which rule the process behavior. The analysis of azeotrope conditions revealed that the ethanol-to-isobutene molar feed ratio is the main factor affecting the equilibrium, by modifying the separation between the ETBE product and the butylenes in the catalytic column. The indirect effect of increasing the operating pressure in the reaction equilibrium, by changing the phase equilibrium temperatures increasing them also, as well as by modifying the ethanol-isobutene feed ratio at the reactive zones at a higher value, are the variables that limit the equilibrium. Consequently, a high isobutene conversion is attained. Finally, doing a comparison between the two processes, it can be confirmed that the ETBE can be produced in the same installations, obtaining an isobutene conversion of 98 weight % and an ETBE product with an overall composition of 98 weight %.

Recommended Citation

Martínez Medina, Isela Jazmín and Montiel-Maldonado, Celestino (2007) "Technical Re-Conversion of an MTBE Plant to Produce ETBE," International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering: Vol. 5: S3.
Available at: http://www.bepress.com/ijcre/vol5/S3