Thermodynamically Optimize Distillation Columns

Distillation columns consume some 95% of the total energy used in separations. Since distillation is so energy intensive and requires significant capital outlays, an endless quest to improve its economics has continued since the beginning of the industry. A distillation column modification which is carried out in isolation from its background process may lead to inappropriate designs on an overall basis. Any thermal modification of the column should consider the heat sources and sinks in the background process. A general procedure has been developed in order to investigate optimality of a given distillation columns.

Keywords:

Distillation , Optimization , Thermodynamic , Exergy