Reactive cumene synthesis

This case study deals with the design and simulation of a medium size plant of lOOkton cumene per year. The goal is performing the design by two essentially different methods. The first one is a classical approach, which handles the process synthesis and energy saving with distinct reaction and separation sections. In the second alternative a more innovative technology is applied based on reactive distillation. 

The reactivity of propylene is a result of the olefinic double bond in H2C=CHCH2, which gives rise to addition reactions. Consequently, propylene is used in the synthesis of many industrially important compoimds, including propylene oxide, acrylonitrile, cumene, and isopropyl alcohol. The consumption of propylene in the production of polymers, however, is greater than the total for all other chemicals. Propylene is also used in alkylating feedstocks for gasoline. 

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