Simulation of Continuous Esterification Process of Polyester Polyols

doi:10.1016/S1004-9541(13)60472-6

Abstract

Abstract: Based on the kinetic and thermodynamic equations, a comprehensive mathematical model for the continuous esterification process of polyester polyols was developed, which was carried out in an innovational bubbling reactive distillation tower (BRDT) at atmospheric pressure. In this new type of reactor, direct esterification between ethylene glycol and adipic acid was accomplished efficiently and rapidly. A bench BRDT with the height of 2 m was applied for the esterification process of poly (ethylene adipate) (PEA). In the continuous operation, linear oligomers were discharged from the bottom of the column, while water passed a few column trays and a packing section as a condensation byproduct. The influence of major operating conditions on reactor performance was also simulated. Simulation results were in good agreement with experimental data, providing a strategy for developing and optimizing this process.

Key words: poly (ethylene adipate), esterification, continuous operation, mathematical model, reactive distillation

摘要： Based on the kinetic and thermodynamic equations, a comprehensive mathematical model for the continuous esterification process of polyester polyols was developed, which was carried out in an innovational bubbling reactive distillation tower (BRDT) at atmospheric pressure. In this new type of reactor, direct esterification between ethylene glycol and adipic acid was accomplished efficiently and rapidly. A bench BRDT with the height of 2 m was applied for the esterification process of poly (ethylene adipate) (PEA). In the continuous operation, linear oligomers were discharged from the bottom of the column, while water passed a few column trays and a packing section as a condensation byproduct. The influence of major operating conditions on reactor performance was also simulated. Simulation results were in good agreement with experimental data, providing a strategy for developing and optimizing this process.

关键词: poly (ethylene adipate), esterification, continuous operation, mathematical model, reactive distillation

CHEN Like, XI Zhenhao, QIN Zhen, ZHAO Ling, YUAN Weikang . Simulation of Continuous Esterification Process of Polyester Polyols[J]. Chin.J.Chem.Eng., 2013, 21(3): 246-252.

陈礼科, 奚桢浩, 秦榛, 赵玲, 袁渭康. Simulation of Continuous Esterification Process of Polyester Polyols[J]. Chinese Journal of Chemical Engineering, 2013, 21(3): 246-252.

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