Pilot plant mass transfer efficiency evaluation for toluene + methylcyclohexane separation by extractive distillation with [HMIM][TCB]

E Quijada-Maldonado, G.W. Meindersma, AB de Haan

Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference proceedings/Edited volumeConference contributionScientificpeer-review

Abstract

Separation of the close-boiling mixture: toluene ¿ methylcyclohexane (MCH) has been carried out by extractive distillation (ED) using the ionic liquid [HMIM][TCB]. High solvent-to-feed ratios are needed to maintain one liquid phase and increased liquid phase viscosities are expected compared to the reference solvent NMP. Experiments in an extractive distillation pilot plant were carried out at a solvent-to-feed mass ratio of 5 to evaluate the effect of solvent selectivity and viscosity on the separation performance and mass transfer efficiency. The results confirm that at the used operating conditions one liquid phase was maintained and that with [HMIM][TCB] a MCH purity >99.7% could be achieved. The liquid phase viscosities in the ED column when using [HMIM][TCB] appeared four times higher than with NMP. As a result the mass transfer efficiency decreased, which was reflected in a doubling of the HETP (height equivalent to a theoretical plate) compared to NMP
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationconference proceedings 10th International Conference on DISTILLATION & ABSORPTION
Editors s.n.
Place of Publications.l.
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Pages1-7
Number of pages7
Publication statusPublished - 2014
Event10th International Conference on DISTILLATION & ABSORPTION 2014, Friedrichshafen · Germany - s.l.
Duration: 14 Sept 201417 Sept 2014

Publication series

Name
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Conference

Conference10th International Conference on DISTILLATION & ABSORPTION 2014, Friedrichshafen · Germany
Period14/09/1417/09/14

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