Features of operation of a reaction-fractionation column. Different versions of the fractionation stage

A number of methods of implementing the fractionation stage in a reaction-fractionation column — from the version of a distillation column to a complete column with side takeoff of the target product and different versions of feedstock input (discrete and distributed) into the column — was analyzed by mathematical modeling of production of ethylene glycol. In operating the column in the total reflux mode, the quality of the residue obtained is almost independent of the number of theoretical plates between the feedstock input and residue takeoff zones. A region of constant concentrations in vapor and liquid streams is formed in the middle of the column. Distributed feedstock input does not save on power. Better fractionation results were obtained in using the complete reaction-fractionation column with side takeoff of the target product.