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Extractive distillation with ethylene glycol represents the most competitive alternative for anhydrous ethanol production. The relative volatility of ethanol−water decreases with solvent present at low ethanol concentrations. In order to carry out extractive distillation with high relative volatility, a new operating flowsheet is proposed including three columns: an extractive distillation column, s solvent recovery column, and a concentrator. The simulation of VLE and sensitivity analysis is performed on Aspen Plus software to obtain the best conditions and configuration for the new process with minimal energy requirements. The results reveal significant advantages in the reduction of energy requirements and an improvement in operation conditions compared with the conventional two-column process. Furthermore, the new process is more energy-saving with respect to other technologies.

The aim is to clearly delineate the upper thoracic sympathetic chains and neural connections between the chains and ventral rami of the thoracic nerves, and to provide an anatomical foundation for successful upper thoracic sympathicotomy for treating upper essential hyperhidrosis. The upper thoracic sympathetic chains, upper five intercostal nerves, and neural connections between them in 50 halves of 25 adult cadavers have been dissected, measured, and mapped. The stellate ganglion had an incidence of 80%. The second to the fourth thoracic sympathetic ganglia were commonly located in the corresponding intercostal spaces with the presence of 92%, 68%, and 50%, respectively. The incidence of the first and second intercostal rami was 40% and 6%, and that of the ascending or descending rami from the second, third and fourth ganglia was 54%, 24%, and 14%, respectively. Additional rami communicantes joined the ventral ramus of the 1st thoracic nerve proximal to the point where the latter gave a branch to the brachial plexus. The farthest horizontal distance from the sympathetic chain to the junction between the additional rami communicantes and the second to the fourth intercostal nerves was 29.1 mm. Only 16% of cadavers had similar anatomy bilaterally. Anatomical variations of the upper thoracic sympathetic trunk in relation to intercostal nerves, which may be one of the causes resulting in surgical failures and recurrences, were striking. Attention should be given to such anatomical variations when planning thoracic sympathicotomy.

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