Energy saving potential of 6-component aromatic mixture via Energy Integrated Distillation Columns Sequence (EIDCS) method

Abstract

Abstract Distillation column is a well-known unit operation in chemical and petrochemical industries for an intended separation task. However, the energy usage still becomes a problem particularly for a multicomponent system of distillation columns sequence. Therefore, this research aims to investigate the applicability of Thermal Pinch Analysis to be employed in a distillation columns sequence to solve the problem. The method is complemented by the sequencing method of Driving Force which leads to a novel method namely Energy Integrated Distillation Columns Sequence (EIDCS). This systematic method has been designed for optimal distillation columns sequence and further energy saving by Thermal Pinch Analysis. The Driving Force Sequence was firstly determined by the use of Driving Force Plot. Then the shortcut and rigorous simulations have been carried out and the resulting data were extracted for Thermal Pinch Analysis at a fixed value of ΔTmin at 10 °C. Next, the Problem Table Algorithm (PTA) was constructed to indicate the possible energy saving for the distillation columns sequence. Finally, the proposed Heat Exchanger Network (HEN) via Grid Diagram that satisfies the energy requirement was constructed. A case study of 6-component Aromatic Mixture has been selected to evaluate the proposed EIDCS method in this study.