Aspen Plus simulation and optimization of methyl acetate synthesis 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 12 th plate, the optimum MeOH feeding posi - tion was the 41 st plate, the optimum reflux ratio was 1.4, and the opti - mum 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.