Separation of lactic acid through reactive distillation

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the main advantages of reactive distillation process over other processes (p.e. ultrafiltration, microfiltration, reactive extraction, etc.) for lactic acid separation. Aditionally a new short method called “analysis of the statics” is applied to the design of the best column configuration, allowing optimal lactic  acid separation by hydrolysis of methyl lactate. Subsequently, the simulation of the column is made in Aspen Plus based on the information
provided by the analysis of the statics, with the purpòse of optimizing the static operating parameters.