Simulation of Continuous Esterification Process of Polyester Polyols

Based on the kinetic and thermodynamic equations, a comprehensive mathematical model for the con- tinuous esterification process of polyester polyols was developed, which was carried out in an innovational bub- bling reactive distillation tower （BRDT） at atmospheric pressure. In this new type of reactor, direct esterification between ethylene glycol and adipic acid was accomplished efficiently and rapidly. A bench BRDT with the height of 2 m was applied for the esteriflcation process of l~oly （ethylene adlpate） （P＇EA）. In the continuous operation, Hn- ear oligomers were discharged from the bottom of the column, while water passed a few column trays and a pack- ing section as a condensation byproduct. The influence of major operating conditions on reactor performance was also simulated. Simulation results were in good agreement with experimental data, providing a strategy for devel- oping and optimizing this process.