Efficient optimization-based design of energy-integrated distillation processes. (4th October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Waltermann, Thomas; Skiborowski, Mirko
• Is Part Of: Computers & chemical engineering. Volume 129(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-10-04
• Subjects: Distillation -- Optimization -- Conceptual design -- Energy-integration -- Vapor recompression -- Dividing wall column; Chemical engineering -- Data processing -- Periodicals; 660.0285
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compchemeng.2019.106520
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0098-1354

Abstract

Highlights: Deterministic optimization-based design of energy-integrated distillation processes. Automatic initialization and polylithic modeling and solution approach. Consideration of heat integration, vapor recompression and dividing wall columns. Applicable to non-ideal and azeotropic mixtures. Abstract: While providing only low thermodynamic efficiency, distillation is still the default option for the separation of liquid mixtures in the chemical industry. Fortunately, various concepts for energy integration have been proposed to improve the energy efficiency. Yet, the selection of the cost-optimal process among the potential alternatives is tedious, as the performance of the different options has to be evaluated for each specific separation. Thus, efficient means for rigorous design are required, that allow for a comparison of the competing alternatives. For this purpose, a computationally efficient method for a rigorous optimization-based design of various energy-integrated distillation sequences is proposed in the current article and demonstrated for 16 different process variants for the separation of a multicomponent mixture into three product streams. The application to three case studies, including the separation of ideal, non-ideal and azeotropic mixtures, demonstrates its computational efficiency and effectiveness in identifying economically attractive energy-integrated distillation processes. Graphical abstract: Image, graphical abstract