Introducing a new method in energy optimization of n-butane and i-butane separation process

The distillation serves as the most popular separation method on an industrial scale. Nevertheless, the so-called distillation columns are known to consume energy at an extremely high rate. Separation of the two-component mixture of n-butane and i-butane via the distillation method is difficult due to the close boiling points of the two components, which increases the energy demand of the process even further. This leverages the operating cost and hence the TAC. This highlights the necessity of optimizing the energy consumption for such applications. Investigated in the present research are three methods, including vapor recompression (VRC), bottom flashing (BF), and modified BF (MBF, proposed in this study). The results show that the VRC and BF methods bring about ۷۱% and ۷۳% energy saving, with reference to the conventional process. The MBF, however, could lower the energy consumption rate by ۸۵%, compared to the conventional method, making it the configuration of choice based on the outcomes of the present study. The most important reason behind the energy saving by the MBF was found to be the significant reduction of the duty of compressor.

Keywords:

Distillation , Vapor Recompression , Bottom Flashing , Energy saving ,