Kuwait University
Faculty of Engineering & Petroleum
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
Second Semester 2012/2013
Prof. Mohamed A. Fahim
PLANT DESIGN (ChE 491)
Problem Statement
Project 2
(4 Members Group)
Project Title:
Production of m-Phenylenediamine (PDA) by Direct Amination
Plant Capacity:
10 Million lb/yr (4,500 metric tons/yr) m-Phenylenediamine at 0.9 Stream Factor
Introduction
m-Phenylenediamine, also called 1,3-diaminobenzene, is an organic compound with the formula
C6H4(NH2)2. It is an isomer of o-phenylenediamine and p-phenylenediamine. It is a colourless solid.
Phenylenediamine is formed from amination of aniline, which in turn can be formed by amination of
benzene.
m-Phenylenediamine is used in the preparation various polymers including aramid fibers, epoxy resins,
wire enamel coatings and polyurea elastomers. Other uses for m-phenylenediamine include as an
accelerator for adhesive resins, and as a component of dyes for hair, leather and textiles.
In this project you will find different process available for the production of m-Phenylenediamine.
Finally you will design a plant to produce 10 Million lb/yr (4,500 metric tons/yr) m-Phenylenediamine
by direct amination.
Main Reactions
C6H6 + NH3  C6H5NH2 + H2
C6H5NH2 + NH3  C6H4(NH2)2 + H2
Design Bases and Assumptions
Reaction conditions
4500 psia, 660oF
Catalyst
Ni/Mg/Zr
Space velocity in catalyst
14.5 lb/lb-hr
Per pass yield (mol)
Benzene to aniline, 7.3%
Aniline to Phenylenediamines, 8.3%
Excess ammonia in feed
39 times stoichiometric
Selectivity
95% on benzene and aniline
98% on ammonia
Phenylenediamines
74% meta isomer
Ammonia loss
0.9% of circulation
Feeds
Pure Benzene 678 lb/hr
Pure Ammonia 556 lb/hr
Pure Aniline 923 lb/hr
Final Product
Pure m-Phenylenediamine 1,268 lb/yr
The process should be designed to produce to produce 10 Million lb/yr (4,500 metric tons/yr)
m-Phenylenediamine by direct amination. You are required to carry out the project by completing the
following tasks and submit a formal report on each task:
TASK LIST
Task 1:
Literature Survey (Report submission date: 17/02/2013)
1. Various process routes for the production of m-Phenylenediamine
2. Properties of raw materials and final products.
3. Uses of m-Phenylenediamine.
Task 2:
HYSYS Simulation (Report submission date: 17/03/2013)
Simulation of m-Phenylenediamine production process by direct amination using one
selected process flow-sheet.
Task 3:
Equipment Design (Report submission date: 14/04/2013)
Perform detailed design calculations of all the major and minor equipments in
your plant and report its size, construction details, material of construction and
instrumentation & control.
Task 4:
Environmental Effects, Safety and Health Hazard (Report submission date:
28/04/2013)
Assessment of environmental and safety features taken in the plant design and
report health hazards.
Task 5:
Economic evaluation (Report submission date: 28/04/2013)
Perform economic study and project evolution for the selected plant.
Task 6:
Final Report (Report submission date: 5/5/2013)
Submit final report for whole project.