Novel intensified process for ethanolamines production using reactive distillation and dividing-wall column technologies

Monoethanolamine is an essential chemical used as feedstock in the production of detergents, emulsifiers, pharmaceuticals, polishes, corrosion inhibitors, and intermediates. It produced industrially by treating ethylene oxide with aqueous ammonia, but reaction also leads to di- tri-ethanolamine less desired by-products. This study first propose intensified process for ethanolamines combining reactive distillation (RD) dividing-wall column (DWC) technologies. The was optimized maximize MEA selectivity (over 71%), ratio products can be controlled stoichiometry reactants. Rigorous simulations sensitivity analysis key parameters have been carried out using Aspen Plus, a plant capacity 11.5 ktpy ethanolamines. overall has designed produce minimal energy utilization reduced capital cost. Economic sustainability showing benefits proposed compared conventional one industry: CapEx reduction 7.3%, OpEx savings 42%, TAC improvements 31.3%.