Operation and Modeling of a Process for 1,1-Diethoxybutane Synthesis in a Simulated Moving Bed Reactor Pilot Unit

Abstract

1,1-Diethoxybutane (DEB) was synthesized in a Simulated Moving Bed Reactor (SMBR) consisting of eight columns packed with the commercial resin Amberlyst15. The True Moving Bed Reactor (TMBR) model was used to model the reaction/separation process and to select the best experimental conditions for the process. The experiences of two types of assays, named runs 1 and 2, were analyzed with preset conditions as detailed in the article. The best conversion obtained was 94% for run 2 but with low raffinate purity (66%) and productivity (1.8 kgDEBL-1day-1). On the other hand, the best raffinate productivity was 3.7 kgDEBL-1day-1 for run 1, with a lower conversion (88%) and purity (60%). These results show that the SMBR pilot unit has a great potential to be competitive and efficient compared to other traditional processes for the synthesis of 1,1-diethoxybutane, which can be extensible to other acetals. In addition to highlighting that the process proves to be environmentally friendly, it is suggested that improvement in performance would be achieved by working with full resin regeneration in section 1 and full desorbent cleaning in section 4. These recommendations would also improve the quantitative representation of the model, although qualitatively the modeling is considered acceptable.