Synthesis of n-Amyl Acetate in a Pilot Plant Catalytic Distillation Column with Seepage Catalytic Packing Internal

The n-amyl acetate synthesis from the esterification reaction of acetic acid and n-amyl alcohol in a pilot plant catalytic distillation column with a decanter was evaluated. A novel catalytic packing, seepage catalytic packing internal (SCPI), is applied in this study. Catalytic distillation experiments using different feed molar ratios and feed modes at different column pressures were performed to validate an equilibrium stage model developed to investigate the influence of operation parameters on the performance of the catalytic distillation process. The results from experimental runs and simulations clearly indicate that it is important to the performance of catalytic distillation process to adjust the composition and temperature profiles along the reaction zone. The studies also showed that the integration of a reactive distillation column with a decanter is considered a potential candidate to produce amyl acetate. With proper operation parameters (operating pressure of 20-22 kPa and mixed feeding mode) and column configuration (16-18 theoretical stages of reaction zone), the product purity in the bottom stream could be increased to 99.3 wt % and less than 0.2 mg KOH/g acid value, meanwhile the conversion of amyl alcohol could reach more than 95%. The research achievements can be applied to facilitate industrial application of SCPI and used for prospective optimization studies.