Simulation of the Process for Cumene Production by Alkylation of Benzene in Equilibrium Reactor

Abstract

Shortcomings of the calculation of a cumene production reactor on the basis of kinetic reaction parameters obtained by quantum-chemical methods have been considered. The cumene production process in the reactor comprising an equilibrium reactor and a separator that is needed to take account of benzene evaporation has been modeled. A base model of equilibrium reactions occurring during benzene alkylation with the propylene fraction has been proposed. Results of the modeling of the design composition of the product stream have been compared with the actual data obtained on an Ufaorgsintez industrial unit. Adequacy of the developed model has been proved, as well as its applicability to calculation of the cumene yield in the alkylator.