Design and control of reactive-distillation process for the production of diethyl carbonate via two consecutive trans-esterification reactions

► We study design and control of a RD process to produce diethyl carbonate. ► Unusual feed location is needed to suppress the formation of the intermediate. ► The optimized RD process flowsheet is compared with a traditional process. ► We show great benefit of utilizing the RD technology for this process. ► Proposed control strategy works effectively to hold the product compositions.