A Simple Synthesis Method Based on Utility Bounding for Heat‐Integrated Distillation Sequences

ABSTRACTIn this paper a new method is presented which will enable engineers toselect better heat integrated distillation systems quickly and easily. The keyto this method is making the assumption that OAT, the product of thecondenser or reboiler duty and the temperature difference between the reboilerand condenser, is constant for a single distillation task over a wide range ofpressures. Using this assumption and the principles of multieffect distillation,a lower bound on the utility use for single distillation tasks and for distillationsequences is readily calculated for designs involving simple two productcolumns that may or may not be multieffected. This paper also describesmethods which can be used to synthesize distillation systems which approachthese bounds. Finally, an algorithm is presented which develops the least costdistillation system for separating a multicomponent feed. The methods in thispaper are illustrated with a five component example problem.UNIVERSITY LIBK/kRIESCARNEGIE-MELLON UNIVERSITYPITTSBURGH. PENNSYLVANIA 15?13

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