Computer aided design and analysis of separation processes with electrolyte systems

Publisher Summary A methodology for the computer-aided design and analysis of separation processes based on the thermodynamic insights of electrolyte systems is discussed through an illustrative case study in the chapter. The novelty of the methodology is that all the necessary steps (from property model selection and validation) to final flowsheet validation through the simulation of the process alternatives is addressed in an integrated and systematic manner using visual (graphical) computer-aided tools. The methodology includes a parameter estimation technique based on the sensitivity analysis that helps to solve problems when the number of experimental data is limited and/or number of components is larger than four. The methodology includes a rigorous simulation engine option that is able to simulate the steady state behavior of the separation processes. The sensitivity analysis in the simulation part also calculates quantitatively how the accuracy of the generated flowsheet specifications is affected by the reliability of the phase diagram, and consequently, it helps the design of experiment. The identified feasible operational paths can be used to generate flowsheets for continuous operations and the sequences of batch operations to obtain the same products. Current and future work involves further extension of the integrated system in terms of increased application range of the process and property models and process optimization and new industrial applications.