State multiplicity in one-stage reactive distillation

The article addresses the steady state behaviour of one-stage reactive distillation process. An exothermic isomerization reaction with first-order kinetics and light-boiling reactant is considered. The dimensionless model distinguishes bebveen the state variables, control parameters and system properties. Combination of state multiplicity and feasibility boundaries corresponding to total reflux or total reboil leads to complex steady state behaviour. Singularity theory is used to divide the Damköhler number-heat input space into regions with qualitatively different behaviours. Forty-five bifurcation diagrams are presented, exhibiting a maximum of three steady states, five feasibility boundaries and three disconnected solution branches.