Some aspects in the design of multicomponent reactive distillation columns with a reacting core: Mixtures containing inerts

Some aspects related to the design of reactive distillation columns with a reacting core are addressed in this paper. A set of transformed composition variables proposed in a previous paper is used to develop both the design equations and the reactive residue curve maps for quaternary reacting mixtures. Also, conventional residue curve maps are employed to achieve a better physical and conceptual insight into the relationships between the different constitutive parts of a column with a reacting core. Limitations in product specifications of entirely reactive distillation columns are explained by means of reactive residue curve maps, and a new feasibility criterion of a given separation for reactive columns with a reacting core is also developed on the basis of the two extreme operation conditions of a column. Finally, the behavior of column profiles for both high-conversion and low-conversion cases is analyzed and optimal product specifications are suggested to obtain high purity products. As we concluded in previous works, the inerts have a central role in both the design and synthesis of a reactive distillation column. All the concepts are applied to azeotrope-forming mixtures.