(65b) Minimizing Energy Consumption In Distillation Units

In the hydrocarbon processing industry, most separation processes rely on distillation as a means of product separation. The nature of distillation requires simultaneous heat removal and significant energy consumption. Due to high energy costs, the hydrocarbon processing industry seeks to minimize energy consumption while maintaining desired plant performance. Thus, energy consumption can be optimized by redesigning distillation units with novel process heat integration schemes.

This paper highlights the benefits to improving energy consumption in an aromatics purification train, including a case study of a toluene purification tower retrofit at a major aromatics producer. Detailed retrofit activities including process simulation modeling, high performance distillation equipment implementation, and reboiler modification strategies will also be presented.