Kinetic modelling and simulations studies for propanoic acid esterification process

The esterification of propanoic acid with n-butanol to produce n-butyl propionate and water in the influence of an Amberlite catalyst was investigated using a batch reactor. The catalyst was chosen based on its ability to perform in this reaction. The temperature of the reaction runs between 363.15 K and 403.15 K, while the propanoic acid to n-butanol molar ratio is around 1:1 and 1:4. The selection of the catalyst loading is dependent on the volume of the reaction mixture. The catalyst dosage was kept within a 1%–3% by weight range. The kinetics of conversion have been researched in relation to the reaction temperature, mole ratio, catalyst size, stirrer speed, and catalyst quantity. The catalyst dosage and reaction temperature, according to the study, have a substantial influence on how soon the system achieves equilibrium. The pseudo homogeneous kinetic model is developed and tested against experimental results. Under the specified conditions, model predictions and empirical observations accord well. Arrhenius equation was used for calculation of rate constants and energy of activation. The forward reaction's frequency factor & activation energy are 18.554 L/mol.min and 30350 J/mol, correspondingly. Since the equilibrium constant increases as the temperature rises, the reaction is endothermic.