Assessment of Reactor Efficiency and Yield in EthylenediamineSynthesis: A Case Study Utilizing Heterogeneous Catalysis

This research focuses on enhancing the production of ethylenediamine (EDA) through the catalytic reaction of monoethanolamine (MEA) and ammonia (NH₃) in a heterogeneous plug flow reactor (PFR) using Aspen HYSYS simulation. The process involves a primary reaction converting MEA to EDA and a secondary reaction yielding diethylenetriamine (DETA) as a byproduct. Raney Nickel serves as the catalyst, while key operational parameters—temperature, pressure, and feed ratios—are systematically adjusted to evaluate their impact on yield, selectivity, and conversion efficiency. The study identified optimal conditions for achieving a maximum EDA yield of 94.4% at 150°C, 6000 kPa, and a 14:1 ammonia-to-MEA molar ratio, effectively minimizing byproduct formation. The findings underscore the effectiveness of Aspen HYSYS as a tool for simulating and optimizing complex chemical processes, providing critical insights into reactor design and operational control. Sensitivity analyses reveal increased pressure improves conversion rates, while lower temperatures enhance EDA selectivity over DETA formation. These insights advance the understanding of heterogeneous catalytic processes and offer strategies for improving EDA production efficiency on an industrial scale. In addition to promoting sustainable chemical manufacturing, the results offer practical recommendations for minimizing environmental impact and optimizing process efficiency. Future efforts should prioritize experimental validation, explore alternative catalysts, and investigate innovative reactor designs to further refine and scale up the production of EDA, aligning with industrial and environmental goals.