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Abstract

Reactive distillation is an integrated multifunctional reactor where a chemical reaction and distillation occur simultaneously in a single unit operation apparatus. The reaction can be either homogeneously or heterogeneously catalysed. The subset of heterogeneously catalysed reactive distillation processes are commonly referred to as catalytic distillation processes. The motives, limitations and disadvantages are discussed in the chapter. The kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of ether production with reactive distillation are discussed as well. The various catalytic packings as random packings, catalytic distillation trays and catalytic bales are presented. Finally the simulation, design and commercial processes are discussed.