Influence of Reaction System Properties on the Energy Saving Potential of the Reactive Dividing-Wall Column: Separation Properties

The reactive dividing‐wall column (RDWC) is an example of extensive process integration. Recently, an energy saving potential of 23 % for the RDWC for an exemplary reaction system has been reported. However, little is known so far whether this magnitude represents a typical value and how the reaction system properties affect the energy saving of the RDWC. Clearly, a prerequisite for the industrial application of this apparatus is a profound understanding of the process and a quick assessment of the energy saving at an early stage of process synthesis. Therefore, the influence of separation properties of the reaction system on the energy saving potential is systematically investigated. Also, the saving mechanisms are analyzed and how they are affected. Heuristics are presented which can be applied easily during the industrial process synthesis. Recently, it was demonstrated that a reactive dividing‐wall column always offers energy savings compared to conventional reactive distillation processes. Herein, the effects of the relative volatilities and the order of boiling points on the energy saving potential of such columns are investigated. Energy saving mechanisms are identified and analyzed in detail.