Analysis and optimization of a multieffect multistage flash distillation system — part II. Optimization

Abstract A mathematical model of a multieffect, multistage flash distillation system which can be used in process optimization investigations has been developed in Part I of this work. In the present part, the model is used together with an economic model of the system to minimize the cost of water production. The heat input to the brine heater per unit of feed, the recycle flow rate in each effect, and the concentration and temperature of the flashing brine leaving each effect are chosen so that the water production cost is a minimum.