Operation and Modeling of a Process for 1,1-Diethoxybutane\nSynthesis in a Simulated Moving Bed Reactor Pilot Unit

1,1-Diethoxybutane\n(DEB) was synthesized in a Simulated Moving\nBed Reactor (SMBR) consisting of eight columns packed with the commercial\nresin Amberlyst15. The True Moving Bed Reactor (TMBR) model was used\nto model the reaction/separation process and to select the best experimental\nconditions for the process. The experiences of two types of assays,\nnamed runs 1 and 2, were analyzed with preset conditions as detailed\nin the article. The best conversion obtained was 94% for run 2 but\nwith low raffinate purity (66%) and productivity (1.8 kg<sub>DEB</sub>L<sup>–1</sup>day<sup>–1</sup>). On the other hand,\nthe best raffinate productivity was 3.7 kg<sub>DEB</sub>L<sup>–1</sup>day<sup>–1</sup> for run 1, with a lower conversion (88%)\nand purity (60%). These results show that the SMBR pilot unit has\na great potential to be competitive and efficient compared to other\ntraditional processes for the synthesis of 1,1-diethoxybutane, which\ncan be extensible to other acetals. In addition to highlighting that\nthe process proves to be environmentally friendly, it is suggested\nthat improvement in performance would be achieved by working with\nfull resin regeneration in section 1 and full desorbent cleaning in\nsection 4. These recommendations would also improve the quantitative\nrepresentation of the model, although qualitatively the modeling is\nconsidered acceptable.