Ethyl acetate is a product of
esterification reaction between
ethyl alcohol and acetic acid.
The reaction can be represented
by
Acetic acid and ethyl alcohol
are sent in a fixed proportion
through a preheater to a kettle
reboiler. Small amount of
catalyst is added into the
kettle. The reaction products
are carried to the top of the
column as an azeotrope,
condensed and pass to a
decanter. The top over flow from
the decanter is partly given as
reflux. The remaining part of
the top over flow along with
bottom of the decanter is sent
to a mixer.
The mixer also receives top
product of the recovery column
and also partly the top product
of E.A.Column. The contents of
the mixer after through stirring
are sent to a settler. Top over
flow from the settler is sent to
E.A.Column. The product E.A. is
drawn from the bottom. The top
product of the E.A. Column is
sent partly to mixer as stated
above. Bottom flow of the
settler is sent to recovery
column whose bottoms are sent to
drain. The top product after
meeting reflux requirements is
sent to mixer.
