A systematic method to synthesize all dividing wall columns for n -component separation-Part I

We present a simple rule that, for the first time, enables exhaustive enumeration of dividing wall columns (DWCs) corresponding to any given thermally coupled distillation column-configuration. With the successive application of our rule, every partition in a DWC can be extended all the way to the top and/or to the bottom of a column without losing thermodynamic equivalence to the original thermally coupled configuration. This leads to easy-to-operate DWCs with possible control/regulation of each and every vapor split by external means. As a result, we conclude that any given DWC can be transformed into a thermodynamically equivalent form that is easy-to-operate, and hence, there always exists at least one easy-to-operate DWC for any given thermally coupled distillation. Our method of enumerating and identifying easy-to-operate DWCs for an attractive thermally coupled configuration will contribute towards process intensification by providing ways to implement efficient and low-cost multicomponent distillations. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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