Gas splitting is an energy-intensive
process that is widely used
in the chemical industry. Consequently, the cost effectiveness of
this process can be maximized through energy optimization. This study
focuses on the energy optimization of the commercial mixed butane
gas-splitting technique via process modification. Because the previous
process is impeded by the instability of the n-butane
content in the feedstock, it consumes excessive energy and results
in a product that is inferior in purity. Therefore, we initially simulated
the previously used process model and then modified this process to
achieve the target purity of the product and minimize energy consumption.
The energy optimization model was designed in accordance with the
standards of the commercial-grade product. After achieving energy
optimization, we conducted economic analyses for the two modified
processes by considering their capital and operating costs. Each modified
process exhibited an approximate reduction of 19.67−21.85%
in its energy consumption; however, only one of the two modified processes
managed to enhance the product yield (by 1.00%). The net present value
of the previous process model was 126.98 M$, whereas those of the
modified processes were calculated to be 134.71 and 133.78 M$.
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