(56a) Analysis of Distillation Differential Equations for Improved Operational Policies and Equipment Configurations

The approach of using a differential description of distillation column has lately become popular [1]. This approach is used for synthesis of standard column configuration and recently for novel column configurations as well [2]. In the preliminary design of a process, a number of flowsheet alternatives are usually considered. Thus there is need of simple and quick assessment tools to compare these alternatives options. In this paper we show that the analysis of distillation differential equations can provide a basis for the ranking of these alternative processes. Using a case study we show how the integration variables in these differential equations can be used as optimization parameters for improved operational policies in terms of energy demand and/or choice of equipment configurations.We believe this is a new way of looking at process synthesis of distillation systems.

[1] Doherty, M.F. and Malone, J.D.,? Conceptual Design of Distillation Systems? McGraw Hill, New York, 2001    [2] Holland, S.T., Tapp, M., Glasser, D., Hildebrandt, D.,? Novel separation system design using ?moving triangles? Computers chem. Eng., 2004, 29, pp.181-189