Optimal Synthesis of Energy Efficient Distillation Columns Sequence Using Driving Force Method

Abstract

This paper presents the study of the optimal synthesis of energy efficient distillation columns (EEDCs) sequence by using the driving force method. In order to perform the study and analysis, the EEDCs sequence methodology has been developed. Accordingly, the methodology consists of four hierarchical sequential steps;Step 1: Existing Sequence Energy Analysis, Step 2: Optimal Sequence Determination, Step 3: Optimal Sequence Energy Analysis, and Step 4: Energy Comparison. The capability of this methodology has been tested in designing minimum energy distillation column sequence for hydrocarbon mixture separation process. The results show that the maximum of 39.6 % energy reduction was able to achieve by changing the sequence suggested by the driving force method. It can be concluded that, the sequence determined by the driving force method is able to reduce energy requirement for hydrocarbon mixture separation process. All of this findings show that the methodology is able to design minimum energy distillation column sequence for hydrocarbon mixture separation process in an easy, practical and systematic manner.