MODELLING AND SIMULATION OF THE BATCH HYDROLYSIS OF ACETIC ANHYDRIDE TO PRODUCE ACETIC ACID

Abstract

The kinetic modelling of the batch synthesis of acetic acid from acetic anhydride was investigated. The kinetic data of the reaction was obtained by conducting the hydrolysis reaction in a batch reactor. A dynamic model was formulated for this process and simulation was carried out using gPROMS^® an advanced process modelling and simulation software. The developed model was validated against experimental data by estimating the kinetic parameter (reaction rate constant k=0.11302 min^-1) and comparing simulation results with experimental data. Results obtained show that the formulated model was able to predict the experimental data to a high level of confidence. The dynamic behaviour of the reaction process was assessed by simulating the validated model at the initial state to obtain time trajectories of all the variables of interest. The model developed in this work will provide insight as to how the process responds under dynamic conditions and its amenability to control.