Influence of Reaction Pressure on Semibatch Esterification Process of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Synthesis

Abstract

Summary: Influence of esterification pressure on oligomeric properties was studied by using a semibatch reactor. Esterification model for semibatch process was further improved by considering EG reflux in the column. It was observed that increasing the reaction pressure decreases EG/water ratio in the column while increasing the EG/TPA feed ratio increases EG/water ratio in the column. By controlling the EG reflux in a semibatch reactor, it is possible to generate oligomers with similar oligomeric properties observed at different stages of continuous process.