Simulation And Optimization Of The Reactive Extraction Process For MEKO Production With HPO Process

Matlab and the simulation software Aspen plus for chemical process were used to simulate reactive extraction and refining process of methyl-ethyl-ketone-oxime (MEKO) production with HPO Process. Through material balancing on MEKO process based on the data from plant, reliable data basis for simulation is provided. The experiments were executed to get key engineering parameters, as well as that some experimental formulas were used, getting reasonable simulation results to guide the technical improvement on capacity and the optimization of operating.Firstly, mass flow rate of each stream is gotten through carrying on material balance on MEKO production, providing reliable data basis for material requirement of industrial operation and simulation.Secondly, to get the precise phase equilibrium values, the experiments were executed in the plant using the actual operational material at the invariable temperature, and then contribution coefficients are calculated. The data of density, viscosity, interfacial tension and each mass fraction were also measured.Thirdly, the simulation of reactive extraction process is conducted on the basis of calculating contribution coefficient and fluid mechanics. Plug flow model and axial diffusion model are used to simulate packed extraction column, getting the height-dependent curves of concentration. The result indicates that theoretical mass transfer rate is bigger than industrial rate, and the axial diffusing has a bad effect on extraction, to a certain extent.Simulating the reactive extraction column using two section-plug flow model after analysising the relationship between mass transfer and reaction and calculating reaction rate and mass transfer rate. Reaction rate is determined when the data of simulation is identical with the data from plant and material balance. Then the reaction rate is used in simulation based on new industrial operation data when the capacity of column is improved, and the result is also reasonable. So the simulation work is feasible.Finally, refining process is simulated using Radfrac model, taking the ternary systems (butanone, toluene and MEKO) as ideal system. Each tower is optimized and the better operation parameters (NT, RR and NF) are determined.