Modeling an Industrial Hydrochlorination of Glycerol – A Systematic Study of Basic Reactor Types

Abstract

Modeling and optimization of real chemical reactors is challenging. A program to systematically compare the performance of an existing reactor with basic reactor models was built. The program was tested on the hydrochlorination of bio-based glycerol in a bubble column. The model-based approach provided insights into the reactor's concentration profiles, mass transfer, and mixing. In this case study, a plug-flow tubular reactor (PFTR) is sufficient as a model for process intensification. Based on the results, a novel reactor design that significantly improves yields was proposed and simulated.