Heterogeneous Reactor Modeling of an Industrial Multitubular Packed-Bed Ethylene Oxide Reactor

The one-dimensional heterogeneous model of an industrial multitubular packed-bed ethylene oxide (EO) reactor was developed using the equation-oriented platform Aspen Custom Modeler. Reactor operation was optimized in terms of maximized EO production and selectivity and enhanced safety related to the presence of oxygen in the EO reactor. Good agreement was found between the model results during validation against the available information under identical operating conditions. The model predicts the behavior of the EO reaction and demonstrates the extent of catalyst utilization with product distribution, product yield, by-product formation, temperature and concentration profiles, over time and along the length of the reactor or catalyst bed. The model sensitivity studies compute the optimum feed flow, oxygen concentration, feed pressure, etc. and suggest the best operational philosophy.