Continuous zeolite membrane reactor for esterification of ethanol and acetic acid

Inert membrane reactors have been a subject of interest during the last decade, the two main applications consist of distributing a reactant to increase selectivity and remove a product to enhance conversion in equilibrium-limited reactions. This paper is related to the second option. Inorganic zeolite membranes have been selected due to its ability to withstand harsh conditions, and its high separation performance of water over alcohols in pervaporation. Two different zeolite membranes, mordenite and zeolite A have been tested in the esterification of acetic acid with ethanol in a continuous membrane reactor packed with catalyst Amberlyst™ 15. Both membranes are capable of shifting the equilibrium in less than 1 day of experiment. Mordenite membranes showed a great resistance to acidic reaction medium, with conversions of about 90% maintained for 5 days of experiment, with very high separation factors H2O/EtOH and H2O/HAc.