Simulation of Catalytic Distillation Columns with Total Reflux

An algorithum enabling considerable CPU time saving is developed for distillation accompained by simultaneous heterogeneous catalytic reactions with total reflux. By taking advantage of either bottom or top product only, the original boundary value problem is shifted to a initial-value problem. For prediction purposes, a single variable iteration, i. e., the iteration of conversion, is suggested. According to stoichiomatric equation and overall material balance for individual components, the composision of the only product, i. e., the boundary values of the model equation, can then be determined with the assumed value of the conversion. Newton Method is used for better convergence. For design purposes, the conversion is specified and the required packed catalyst hight is simply obtained by numerical integation without iteration. Experiments show good agreement with the computation.