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Item type:Publication, Access status: without files , Automatic synthesis of distillation processes for the separation of azeotropic multi-component systemsThe synthesis of distillation processes for azeotropic systems is a complex task for which commercial simulation software mainly offers a graphical analysis of residue curve maps for ternary (sub)systems or an iterative evaluation based on tedious simulation studies. The current work presents a novel algorithmic approach that aims at an automatic synthesis of distillation-based separation processes for azeotropic systems. Building only on a thermodynamic model of the multi-component mixture, split feasibility at both limiting operating conditions of total reflux and reversible distillation are considered. Possible process variants including the integration of suitable recycle streams are automatically generated and stored in a tree structure and the incorporation of an efficient pinch-based shortcut method provides initial estimates of the required energy demand of the generated process variants. The application of the proposed method is illustrated for the separation of a four and five component azeotropic mixture, which allow comparison with previous publications.Publicationtype: Conference Paper42 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: without files , Analysis of TBA-Based ETBE Production by Means of an Optimization-Based Process-Synthesis Approach(2019-03); ; The current article presents the extension of a recently developed optimization-based approach to process synthesis for process intensification. It generates phenomena-based flowsheet options using superstructure optimization and provides a dedicated translation into equipment-based flowsheets. The considered case-study illustrates the application of the method for the analysis of ethyl tert-butyl ether production, based on the conversion of tert-butyl alcohol, under consideration of variable configurations of a rector network and a newly introduced pervaporation-based membrane-reactor block.Publicationtype: Journal Article32 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: without files , Optimization-Based Approach to Process Synthesis for Process Intensification: Synthesis of Reaction-Separation Processes(2018-03-14); ; ; ; Process synthesis and intensification are powerful tools for the development of cost- and energy-efficient chemical processes. However, even though their combination maximizes the potential for improvements, they are mostly applied separately. The current article presents the extension of a phenomena-based process synthesis method by an aditional building block for reactor network synthesis and reactive separations. The method facilitates the automatic generation of thermodynamically feasible phenomena-based flowsheet variants by means of superstructure optimization, which are subsequently translated into equipment-based flowsheets taking into account classical as well as intensified equipment. By composing a flowsheet from mass and energy transfer phenomena instead of predefined unit operations, counterintuitive solutions and significant improvements can be achieved. In the current contribution, the capabilities of the method are demonstrated using the transesterification of propylene carbonate with methanol as a case study. The resulting optimal flowsheet represents a combination of integrated and hybrid separation steps for overcoming the intrinsic limitations of this system. The obtained result presents significant cost saving potential compared to those flowsheet variants previously generated by an alternative process synthesis method.Publicationtype: Journal Article36 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: without files , Optimization-Based Approach to Process Synthesis for Process Intensification: General Approach and Application to Ethanol Dehydration(2017-11-15); Process synthesis and intensification are well-known and powerful tools for the development of chemical processes with improved energy and cost efficiency. However, even though a combination of both provides the most potential for exploiting these improvements, process synthesis still focuses on classical unit operations, while intensified process options are rather delayed and considered mainly for retrofitting. This not only limits the result of process synthesis but also impedes the application of intensified process options, as they need to justify additional investment for process modification. In order to reveal improved process options and reduce the barrier for intensified processes, the current article presents a process synthesis approach which generates thermodynamically feasible phenomena-based flowsheets by means of superstructure optimization. The approach provides maximum flexibility for integrating and modifying the involved phenomena building blocks, which only afterward are interpreted and translated into equipment that represents the final process. Innovative hybrid process configurations and intensified equipment can thereby be synthesized automatically in conceptual design. The current article introduces the general concept and the implementation for an initial set of phenomena building blocks. Successful application of the approach is demonstrated for the nonreactive but thermodynamically nonideal case study of ethanol dehydration.Publicationtype: Journal Article30 - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Access status: without files , Synthesis of intensified processes from a superstructure of phenomena building blocksThis paper presents a method for phenomena-based process synthesis that automatically generates flowsheet variants by means of superstructure optimization. By composing processes of phenomena instead of predefined unit operations, the creativity during process synthesis is maximized and process intensification principles can be considered even beyond already existing equipment. The optimization-based method generates promising phenomena-based flowsheet variants which can further be interpreted and translated into equipment by using databases or proposing new equipment that implements the phenomena-based design. The applicability of the developed method is demonstrated for the case study of ethanol dehydration. The method automatically generates conventional as well as innovative flowsheet variants, some of which even show an improved performance estimate.Publicationtype: Conference Paper32