The article presents an analysis between different possible sequences for the separation of bioethanol from a typical fermentor's stream. The preconcentrator column, necessary to approach the azeotropic composition was included as a fundamental part of the sequences. Starting from a recently proposed four-column configuration in the literature, a full set of alternatives was predicted and explored in detail. Different combinations of partial and total condensers were considered so as to possibly reduce the amount of equipment. It was proved that among all the simple configurations generated, two sequences with three columns are able to consistently reduce the energy demand and the capital costs. The results obtained represent the first step for the further generation of complex configuration sequences.
In the first part of the work the dehydration of bioethanol
by
extractive distillation was considered to define the best simple column
sequence. It was proved that among all the simple configurations generated,
two sequences with three columns are able to consistently reduce the
energy demand and the capital costs compare to the four-column sequence
used as a reference. Then, starting from the selected simple column
configurations different complex sequences were predicted. It was
evidenced that thermally coupled configurations realized only a limited
saving in the capital costs. The two column configuration with a vapor
side stream is able to reduce the capital costs, but not all the solvent
can be recovered. Its convenience is related to the trade-off between
the solvent cost and the savings in the capital costs achieved. The
two-column configurations with a divided wall column represent an
excellent alternative for bioethanol production because their performances
are not limited by the solvent recovery.
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