Energy saving in a crude distillation unit with a divided wall column. Issue 1 (2nd January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, Young Han
• Is Part Of: Chemical engineering communications. Volume 205:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 134
• Page End: 144
• Publication Date: 2018-01-02
• Subjects: Atmospheric distillation column -- crude distillation unit -- distillation column design -- divided wall column -- energy saving -- energy-efficient distillation; Chemical engineering -- Periodicals; 660.205
• DOI: 10.1080/00986445.2017.1379400
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0098-6445

Abstract

ABSTRACT: An energy-efficient crude distillation unit (CDU) with a divided wall column was introduced to evaluate its performance compared to the conventional CDU. The large energy demand of the CDU in the United States—equivalent to more than a half of biofuel produced—was reduced by applying a divided wall column to the unit also known as the energy-efficient distillation column. The divided wall column lowers mixing at feed tray and raises the thermodynamic efficiency of the CDU. The performance evaluation of the proposed unit indicates that the unit saves 37% of heat supply over the conventional unit and cooling by 17%. The economic analysis shows a 9% of investment saving and a 26% decrease in the utility cost from the proposed unit. The thermodynamic efficiency of the proposed CDU is improved by 8%. The modification of conventional CDU was minimal, suggesting an easy revamping of the current conventional CDUs.