Simultaneous optimal design and operation of multivessel batch distillation

✍ Scribed by K. H. Low; E. Sørensen

• Publisher: American Institute of Chemical Engineers
• Year: 2003
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 549 KB
• Volume: 49
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0001-1541
• DOI: 10.1002/aic.690491011

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

The multivessel system is a novel batch distillation configuration that offers improved separation performance compared to the conventional single‐column batch rectifier. The optimal design of this system based on an economics performance index is solved for the first time here by adopting an evolutionary adaptive search technique. The utilization of an overall profitability index, and simultaneous consideration of key design and operation decision variables, allow the true optimum of the system to be obtained. The optimal system configuration is dependent on the separation duty and can contribute significantly to achieving a higher separation performance. The combined energy efficiency and production rate of the multivessel system is found to be greater than that of the regular column, and the benefit is more prominent when separating mixtures with more components. Further theoretical case studies are also presented to highlight the effect of feed composition, relative volatility, and product specification on the optimal column section configuration and feed distribution of the multivessel system.