Synthesis of Functionally Distinct Thermally Coupled Configurations for Quaternary Distillations

• Published in: Industrial & engineering chemistry research 2003-03, Vol.42 (6), p.1204-1214
• Main Authors: Rong, Ben-Guang, Kraslawski, Andrzej, Turunen, Ilkka
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Chemical engineering; Distillation; Exact sciences and technology
• ISSN: 0888-5885; 1520-5045
• DOI: 10.1021/ie0207562

The synthesis of the functionally distinct thermally coupled distillation configurations for quaternary mixtures is presented. The concept of the intended individual splits has been presented to formulate a distinct separation sequence, with which a functionally distinct thermally coupled configuration can be generated for a multicomponent distillation. Twenty-two functionally distinct thermally coupled distillation configurations for quaternary mixtures have been identified. They include the possible thermally coupled configurations in the available superstructures for quaternary distillations. Moreover, some new feasible thermally coupled configurations have been found which are not included in the known superstructures. These functionally distinct thermally coupled configurations constitute a unique space with which the other possible thermally coupled schemes can be generated. It provides a more complete search space of the possible alternatives to synthesize the global optimum distillation systems for quaternary separations.