This work investigates a novel synthesis route of n-Propyl Propionate using a Simulated Moving Bed Reactor (SMBR) packed with Amberlyst 46 resin. Simultaneously, it is presented a novel method for SMBR units design and optimization. The results demonstrate that the unit is capable of producing the n-Propyl Propionate with high purity and conversion, over 99 %. Furthermore, the productivity associated with its low consumption of eluent and its operation at significantly lower temperature provides evidence that the SMBR may be an efficient and competitive route to produce n-Propyl Propionate. Moreover, the swarm optimization method here used showed to be a powerful optimization tool while simultaneously providing deep information about the SMBR process feasible operating region.

这项工作研究了使用装有Amberlyst 46树脂的模拟移动床反应器（SMBR）合成丙酸正丙酯的新途径。同时，提出了一种新的SMBR装置设计和优化方法。结果表明，该装置能够生产纯度超过99％的高纯度正丙酸丙酯。此外，与其洗脱剂的低消耗量和在较低温度下的操作有关的生产率提供了证据，证明SMBR可能是生产丙酸正丙酯的有效途径和竞争途径。而且，这里使用的群优化方法显示出是强大的优化工具，同时还提供了有关SMBR过程可行操作区域的深入信息。