The purpose of this project was to compare the ethylene yield of ethanol dehydration in both the liquid and vapor phases. This was done by studying the activity of a catalyst and the heat transferred in the reactor while varying the feed flow rate and composition. It was found that liquid phase ethanol dehydration does yield ethylene, however not as much as vapor phase. This could be improved if the catalyst did not degrade as easily in hot liquid. Liquid phase ethanol dehydration can compare economically to vapor phase because it is cheaper to manufacture. If more ethylene could be created, liquid phase ethanol dehydration could become a viable candidate for industry use.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Sonam, Tashi
• Brasser, Alison Rita

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042815-031847

Advisor

• Timko, Michael T.

Year

• 2015

Date created

• 2015-04-28

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright