Ethyl lactate production by reactive distillation – optimization of reaction kinetics and energy efficiency

Background: Ethyl lactate is an environmentally benign solvent, which could substitute petrol-based volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in many applications if production costs are reduced. It usually produced by the esterification of lactic acid with ethanol – two important chemical building blocks biorefineries that available at industrial scale. Reactive distillation a promising alternative process, utilises process intensification to increase energy efficiency and space-time yield enhancing reaction kinetics. Methods: In this work, ethyl means was analysed special focus on efficient separation water. The feedstock requirements were studied optimized regarding kinetics experiments laboratory level. preparation anhydrous starting mixtures for formation tested batch applied reactive distillation. simultaneous ensure by-product water separated efficiently capacity not limiting rate. Combined compared serial setup reactors steps. Results: It found can offer similar lower distillate rate distillation. Conclusions: The more flexible straight-forward regulate scale-up. Based experimental results continuous uses reach high purity proposed.