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Automatic synthesis of distillation processes for the separation of homogeneous azeotropic multicomponent systems
Publikationstyp
Journal Article
Date Issued
2020-11-10
Sprache
English
Author(s)
Institut
TORE-URI
Volume
59
Issue
47
Start Page
20816
End Page
20835
Citation
Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research 47 (59): 20816-20835 (2020)
Publisher DOI
Scopus ID
The 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, limited to ternary (sub)systems, or an iterative evaluation based on tedious simulation studies. The current work features a novel algorithmic approach that aims at an automatic synthesis of distillation-based separation processes for azeotropic mixtures. Unlike other methods available in the literature, the feasibility of separation in a simple column is evaluated for both limiting operating conditions, total reflux and reversible distillation. Furthermore, the method integrates a pinch-based shortcut method to verify split feasibility and estimate the minimum energy demand. Thus, feasible process variants are generated solely based on a thermodynamic model of the multicomponent mixture, incorporating suitable recycle streams, and pressure variation, thus enabling a computationally efficient and reliable process synthesis. The capabilities and efficiency of the proposed method are illustrated for different multicomponent azeotropic mixtures.
DDC Class
600: Technik