Abstract
A comparison of two processes of the synthesis of 1,1-diethoxybutane (DEB) based on parametric analysis using Aspen Plus simulation has been investigated. DEB is an acetal which is a promising bio-based additive for biofuels and their blends with conventional fuels. The thermodynamic limitations due to reversibility of the reaction can be overcome by continuously removing the by-product water. The simulation and a parametric study of two different synthesis processes of DEB using a catalytic fixed-bed reactor and distillation column are described. The process with three reactors and three separators in series showed better results with respect to reactor temperature, productivity of DEB, and stages of distillation column than the one with a single reactor and separator.