Optimal design of extractive distillation columns—A systematic procedure using a process simulator

▶ The number of plates, the positions of the feeds (azeotrope and solvent), the reflux ratio and solvent flow rate are included as decision variables. ▶ The constraints of the process (compositions) are considered. ▶ An objective function is defined. ▶ We obtain a formal optimization. The separation...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Chemical engineering research & design 2011-03, Vol.89 (3), p.341-346
Main Authors: de Figueirêdo, Marcella Feitosa, Guedes, Brenda Pontual, de Araújo, João Manzi Monteiro, Vasconcelos, Luís Gonzaga Sales, Brito, Romildo Pereira
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anhydrous ethanol
Applied sciences
Azeotrope
Chemical engineering
Chemical engineers
Columns (process)
Design engineering
Distillation
Ethyl alcohol
Ethylene glycol
Exact sciences and technology
Extractive distillation
Optimization
Simulation
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Summary:▶ The number of plates, the positions of the feeds (azeotrope and solvent), the reflux ratio and solvent flow rate are included as decision variables. ▶ The constraints of the process (compositions) are considered. ▶ An objective function is defined. ▶ We obtain a formal optimization. The separation of binary mixtures which form azeotropes is not possible through conventional distillation and they are usually separated by extractive or azeotropic distillation. The optimization of extractive distillation columns is usually performed using a process simulator; however, normally, the result is only obtained after several simulations and the simultaneous analysis of several graphs. This paper sets out to present a systematic procedure, using a process simulator (Aspen Plus ®), in order to obtain the optimum condition for extractive distillation columns. The optimization achieved is characterized by the fact that it is not necessary to perform various simulations, and it also avoids the simultaneous analysis of dozens of curves. The dehydration of aqueous mixtures of ethanol using ethylene glycol as solvent was the system chosen as a case study.
ISSN:0263-8762
DOI:10.1016/j.cherd.2010.06.011