Author:
Cesar Ribeiro Nunes Julio,de Freitas Fernandes Pontes Ricardo,Rodolfo Miguel Batista Fabio,M. Matricarde Falleiro Rafael
Abstract
Nonylphenol is a very important product for the chemical industry due to its widespread use as a base for several other chemical products. Among the major industrial sectors that use nonylphenol is the production of non-ionic surfactants, which are used from the home and personal care industry to the agrochemical industry. This study aims to define the optimal or quasi-optimal operating conditions for the separation system, which is composed of packed columns. Using simulation tools, the best operating conditions are attained, and the dinonylphenol subproduct generation is minimized. The commercial simulator Aspen Plus® was used for this study as the analysis tool for the mentioned objectives. The developed model is validated with technical data, measures are taken in a nonylphenol plant, and parameters are used in the same plant. From the obtained data from the plant, the best process performance is evaluated regarding cost-benefit analysis and safety concerns. The study shows a potential to reduce the subproduct production by 30% and the reboilers’ heat loads by 2%.
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