Energy Efficiency in High Purity Cyclohexane Production

Computer simulation is a useful tool for the design and synthesis of new process flowsheets and/or the analysis of existing processes which can lead to improvements in conditions of operation and savings in energy. Relationships between physico-chemical properties and separation process principles have been employed to identify a set of the most feasible separation techniques for a given separation task. A screening procedure is employed to generate the alternatives that are most likely to be efficient in terms of energy utilization and environmental impact. For separation processes requiring the use of a mass separating agent (solvent), the choice of the solvent is critical in terms of separation as well as in utilization of energy and environmental impact. Use of the appropriate solvent is highlighted through a case study which involves the recovery of cyclohexane. Aspects of design and synthesis are highlighted with respect to separation feasibility, energy utilization and environmental impact. The results from the case study show that savings in energy between 13% and 32% can be achieved while increasing the recovery by 7 % for a cyclohexane product of 99.9% (mole) purity.

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