Rigorous Multicomponent Reactive Separations Modelling: Complete Consideration of Reaction-Diffusion Phenomena

A. Ahmadi (1) , Michel Meyer (1) , David Rouzineau (1) , Michel Prevost (1) , P. Alix (2) , N. Laloue (2)

1 LGC - Laboratoire de Génie Chimique
2 IFPEN - IFP Energies nouvelles

This paper gives the first step of the development of a rigorous multicomponent reactive separation model. Such a model is highly essential to further the optimization of acid gases removal plants (CO2 capture, gas treating, etc.) in terms of size and energy consumption, since chemical solvents are conventionally used.Firstly, two main modelling approaches are presented: the equilibrium-based and the rate-based approaches.Secondly, an extended rate-based model with rigorous modelling methodology for diffusion-reaction phenomena is proposed. The film theory and the generalized Maxwell-Stefan equations are used in order to characterize multicomponent interactions. The complete chain of chemical reactions is taken into account. The reactions can be kinetically controlled or at chemical equilibrium, and they are considered for both liquid film and liquid bulk.Thirdly, the method of numerical resolution is described. Coupling the generalized Maxwell-Stefan equations with chemical equilibrium equations leads to a highly non-linear Differential-Algebraic Equations system known as DAE index 3. The set of equations is discretized with finite-differences as its integration by Gear method is complex. The resulting algebraic system is resolved by the Newton- Raphson method.Finally, the present model and the associated methods of numerical resolution are validated for the example of esterification of methanol. This archetype non-electrolytic system permits an interesting analysis of reaction impact on mass transfer, especially near the phase interface. The numerical resolution of the model by Newton-Raphson method gives good results in terms of calculation time and convergence. The simulations show that the impact of reactions at chemical equilibrium and that of kinetically controlled reactions with high kinetics on mass transfer is relatively similar. Moreover, the Fick’s law is less adapted for multicomponent mixtures where some abnormalities such as counter-diffusion take place.

Domaines: Physique [physics]

A. Ahmadi, Michel Meyer, David Rouzineau, Michel Prevost, P. Alix, et al.. Rigorous Multicomponent Reactive Separations Modelling: Complete Consideration of Reaction-Diffusion Phenomena. Oil & Gas Science and Technology - Revue d'IFP Energies nouvelles, 2010, 65 (5), pp.735-749. ⟨10.2516/ogst/2010009⟩. ⟨hal-01937561⟩