Distillation Overview

Chemical and refining processes include energy intensive separation of chemical components into more valuable fractions. The majority of these separation systems involve fractional distillation. The Distillation Overview presentation covers fundamentals and application of distillation columns. Basic equipment and operation will be presented in concert with distillation principles that are key to design and operation. Since distillation columns are dominant energy consumers in the process facilities, there is economic advantage to optimizing energy usage in distillation systems. A systematic way to assess existing distillation columns is presented. Design aspects for grassroot distillation columns will be presented along with consideration of factors affecting operation. Useful references will be presented.