Modelling and optimization of semi-batch and continuous nitration of chlorobenzene from safety and technical viewpoints

Performing nitration reactions in a semi-batch plant is potentially hazardous due to the handling of large quantities of unstable reaction mixture. This risk may be reduced by performing the nitration in a continuous way in a small well-stirred multi-stage reaction column. Based on new calorimetric measurements and data from the literature, the heterogeneous synthesis of dinitrochlorobenzene can be modelled and simulated in different types of reactors. The calculations show that a continuous process may be a favourable alternative to the semi-batch process both from an economic and a safety point of view.