Mathematical Modeling, Verification and Optimization for Catalytic Membrane Esterification Micro-reactor

Analysis of efficient production of ethyl acetate utilizing a Catalytic Membrane Micro-Reactor (CMMR) was theoretically investigated and verified using published results for the esterification reaction. Grafted sulfonic groups in the pores of a polyethersulfone membrane catalyzed the reaction. Theoretical analysis of the catalytic membrane reactor was achieved through development of a lumped parameter model to describe the CMMR behavior and performance. The developed model was solved numerically for different design and operating conditions using MATLAB Simulink software. The model parameters were verified and validated using the experimental results to achieve a reliable tool for design, replication, scaling-up, and optimization. The approach to maximum conversion was simulated. Cumulative yield per unit time was investigated to determine the optimum process time. Membrane regeneration was conducted and the regeneration time was determined as well in order to reuse the membrane for other cycles. Reactor scaling-up was studied using the model for process design.