Aspen Plus simulation and optimization of methyl acetate synthesis by catalytic reactive distillation

Catalytic reactive distn. of AcOMe was simulated by using Aspen Plus software. The optimum theor. plate number was 43, the optimum AcOH feeding position was the 12thplate, the optimum MeOH feeding position was the 41st plate, the optimum reflux ratio was 1.4, and the optimum alkyd ratio was 1.1. Under basically the same conditions, use of the single-tower reactive distn. system can greatly reduce energy consumption and equipment investment when compared with the 2-tower system. The annual av. costs prodn. were by 38.88% lower than that of the 2-tower process.