Process Development of Diphenyl-carbonate(DPC) Process by using Reactive Distillation

Abstract

Demand of poly-carbonate is increasing by excellent mechanical and optical properties. In the past, Poly-carbonate was produced using phosgene. But, DPC production without using phosgene have been proposed and developed by environmentally friendly process' necessity. In this study, Synthesis of DPC has been selected by using trans-esterification of DMC and phenol. Disadvantage of this synthesis is difficult to attain high conversion by small equilibrium constant. To advance the synthesis reaction, it is necessary to remove product from the reaction system. In the reactive distillation method, reaction and distillation are done at the same time and reaction products are separated. This method can attain high conversion even if the equilibrium constant of the reaction is extremely small. Mostly, DPC Process is consisted of Separation Columns. For these reasons, physical properties are very important. So, Binary parameter is corrected after completing regression by using experiment data. Reactive distillations are modeled on optimum operation conditions by using sensitivity analysis, and distillations are decided optimum Stage Number and Reflux ratio to design economic separation column. After simulation of DPC is completed, equipment sizing is performed and purchased equipment cost is determined for economic evaluation. Finally, this study is decided product's price that have return on investment (ROI) that satisfy Minimum Attractive Rate of Return.