Problem 3-MTBE Production

Consider the production of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE), which is widely used

as an octane and emissions improver in gasoline.

CH3OH + CH2=C(CH3)2

CH3OC(CH3)3

This reaction is conducted over a solid acid catalyst in a flow reactor operating at

2.5 atm total pressure. The reaction readily reaches equilibrium at 80°C, and the

equilibrium constant at this temperature is K, = 7.5 atm. The reactor feed flows at

120 mole/min, and has a composition 40% methanol, 20% isobutene, and remainder

inert nitrogen.

a) Prepare a mole table showing the outlet mole fraction of all species present in

terms of the initial composition and the (unknown) reaction extent.

b) Calculate the equilibrium conversion and the outlet composition.

c) What changes can you suggest that would increase the conversion of the limiting

reactant?