An efficient algorithm for rigorous dynamic simulation of reactive distillation columns

An efficient algorithm is developed for solving the system of differential algebraic equations (DAE) describing the dynamics of a reactive distillation (RD) column using the equilibrium tray model. Unlike existing algorithms, the rate of change of tray specific enthalpy is obtained analytically. This allows direct calculation of the instantaneous vapor rate leaving a tray from the dynamic energy balance. Application to an example methyl acetate RD column shows that the developed algorithm is twice as fast as the algorithm of Jhon and Lee [Jhon, Y. H., & Lee, T. H. (2003). Dynamic simulation for reactive distillation with ETBE synthesis. Separation and Purification Technology, 31, 301–317].