Optimisation of design and operation parameters for ternary batch distillation with fixed product demand

Purpose – To determine optimum design and operation parameters for ternary batch distillation under fixed product demand.Design/methodology/approach – In this study, two different scenarios are considered. In the first scenario, the column specification (in terms of number of plates and vapour load) and product demand are given and the optimum operation policy is determined. In the second scenario, with a fixed batch time and product demand, the optimal design (in terms of number of plates and vapour load) and operation policy (in terms of reflux ratio profile) are determined. In both scenarios, maximisation of a profit function reflecting capital cost, operating cost and penalty due to under/over production and customer dissatisfaction is considered. A detailed dynamic model consisting of mass and energy balances with rigorous thermodynamic property calculation model is used. The optimisation problem is solved using modified simulated annealing algorithm.Findings – Two ternary mixtures leading to easy an...