Statistical analysis of reaction rate data of liquid phase synthesis of dimethyl ether from methanol

The liquid phase catalytic dehydration of methanol to dimethyl ether (DME) is a key reaction step in the single-step synthesis of DME form CO-rich syngas in a slurry reactor. The effect of process variables including temperature, pressure, impeller speed, and feed methanol flow rate on DME synthesis rate has been studied by a systematic 24 full factorial experimental design with single replicate. The significant effects and interactions have been quantified by F-tests. The estimates of significant effects have been obtained by Yates' algorithm. Residual probability and normal probability plots have been obtained to test model adequacy. Finally, a computational model has been developed to predict the DME synthesis rate at various values of process variables. The model has excellent interpolational predictive capability as evidenced by parity plots.