Modelarea şi simularea extracţiei pantolactonei folosind programul ChemCAD

In this paper the mathematical model and the simulation for the extraction process of racemic pantolactone (an intermediary product in the synthesis of calcium pantothenate) have been described. The aqueous solution of racemic pantolactone resulted from the synthesis process is extracted using dichloromethane. The pantolactone extraction process can be done in two technological ways. The first possibility is to use an extraction system consisting of a stirred vessel and a packed extraction column, operated batchwise. The second possibility is to use a continuous counter-current centrifugal extractor. In this second way, the economy of time, extraction solvent and energy savings are achieved. Computer Aided Design (CAD) software packages, among which ChemCAD is very often used, are new tools for chemical process analysis and design, having some advantages versus the traditional ways of design. The mathematical models of the pantolactone extraction process were simulated using ChemCAD software package. From the simulation results, very valuable information can be obtained regarding real plant operation.