Intensified reactor and process heat integration for conversion of alcohol to fuels

A method comprising:

• introducing a feed comprising an alcohol and an activator into a first reactor comprising a solid acid catalyst;
• contacting the alcohol and the activator in the first reactor the presence of the solid acid catalyst under conditions effective to convert at least a portion of the alcohol and the activator to produce a first product stream comprising C8-C16 olefins, water, and unreacted alcohol;
• introducing at least a portion of the first product stream into an inter-stage heat exchanger and thermally contacting at least the portion of the first product stream with a working fluid to produce a heated working fluid;
• introducing at least the portion of the first product stream into a second reactor comprising the solid acid catalyst;
• and
• contacting the unreacted alcohol and the activator in the second reactor the presence of the solid acid catalyst under conditions effective to convert at least a portion of the unreacted alcohol and the activator to produce a second product stream comprising C8-C16 olefins and water.