Optimum Temperature Profile in Dimethyl Ether Production and Evaluation of the Influence of Effective Operating Parameters

Abstract

The effects of three key parameters of feed temperature, pressure, and flow rate were investigated on the catalytic reaction of methanol dehydration to dimethyl ether in a large-scale fixed bed. A one-dimensional mathematical model was employed for development of the optimum design and evaluation of temperature and concentration profiles. The study of the temperature profiles considering the catalyst behavior revealed that a maximum conversion is obtained under the feed temperature range of 523 to 533 K and operating pressures range of 1 to 1.5 Mpa. The inlet temperature was found to be the most major factor controlling the yield and rate of reaction. Also, the Rate–Conversion–Temperature chart was plotted to appraise and determine the optimal reactor volume at operating conditions.

Keywords::

• adiabatic reactor
• dimethyl ether
• methanol dehydration
• optimal condition
• reactor design
• temperature profile