Simulated Annealing Approach to the Optimal Synthesis of Distillation Column with Intermediate Heat Exchangers

This article presents a simulated annealing-based approach to the optimal synthesis of distillation column considering intermediate heat exchangers arrangements. T-he number of intermediate condensers and/or intermediate reboilers, the placement locations, the.operating pressure of column, and the heat duties of intermediate heat exchangers are treated as optimization variables. A novel coding procedure making use of an integer number series is proposed to represent and manipulate the structure of system and a stage-to-stage method is used for column design and cost calculation. With the representation procedure, the synthesis problem is formulated as a mixed integer nonlinear programming （MINLP） problem, which can then be solved with an improved simulated annealing algorithm. Two examples are illustrated to show the effectiveness of the suggested approach.

Simulated annealing-based optimal design of energy efficient ternary extractive dividing wall distillation process for separating benzene-isopropanol-water mixtures

This article investigates the performances of different extractive distillation processes intensified with dividing-wall column for separating benzene-isopropanol-water ternary mixtures.All the processes with ethylene glycol as solvent are optimized with the minimal total annual cost(TAC)as target.In order to get the global optimal solution intelligently,an improved simulated annealing algorithm is adopted,which is programmed in MATLAB and linked to Aspen Plus.The results show that the extractive dividing wall column-solvent(EDWC-S)process consisting of an extractive dividing wall column and a solvent recovery column is the best scheme.It can reduce the TAC by 28.65%and CO_(2) emissions by 32.84% compared to the conventional triple-column extractive distillation process.

Simulation of 1,3-Butadiene Production Process by Dimethylfomamide Extractive Distillation

Nowadays, extractive distillation is the main technique to produce 1,3-butadiene. This study simulated the 1,3-butadiene production process with DMF extractive distillation by Aspen Plus. The solvent ratio is the most important parameter to the extractive distillation process. The article has given out the proper solvent ratios, reflux ratios, distillate ratios, and bottom product ratios of the columns. It also discusses the thermal loads of several columns. The results of simulation are consequently compared with the plant data, which shows good accordance with each other.

Reactive Distillation for Producing n-Butyl Acetate:Experiment and Simulation

In this paper, a reactive distillation (RD) column was applied for synthesis n-butyl acetate from n-butanol and acetic acid. The Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson (LHHW) kinetic model and an equilibrium stage model for separation were employed to study the RD process. The results obtained from the equilibrium stage model agreed well with the experiments. The effects of operating variables on the n-butanol conversion and n-butyl acetate purity were further investigated. The optimal column configuration for the production of n-butyl acetate was designed with 5 rectifying stages, 8 reaction stages and 13 stripping stages by the simulation study. According to the simulation results, n-butanol conversion and n-butyl acetate purity all reached greater than 96%.

A New Model for the Simulation of Distillation Column

A new computational mass transfer model is proposed for simulating the distillation process by solving the fluctuating mass flux u^＇ic^＇ for the closure of turbulent mass transfer equation in order to obtain the concentration profile and the separation efficiency of distillation column. The feather of the proposed model is to abandon the conventional way of introducing the turbulent mass transfer diffusivity （dispersion coefficient） to the turbulent mass transfer equation. To verify the validity of the proposed model, a commercial scale packed column and a sieve tray column were simulated and compared with published experimental data. The simulated results were satisfactorily confirmed in both concentration distribution and senaration efficiency.

Thermodynamic Analysis,Simulation and Optimization on Energy Savings of Ideal Internal Thermally Coupled Distillation Columns

Internal thermally coupled distillation columns (ITCDIC) are the frontier of distillation energy saving research. In this paper, a novel energy saving model of ideal ITCDIC and a simulation algorithm are presented,upon which a series of comparative studies on energy savings with conventional distillation columns are carried out. Furthermore, we present an optimization model of ideal ITCDIC, which can be used to achieve the maximum energy saving and find the optimal design parameters directly. The binary system of benzene-toluene is adopted for the illustrative example of simulation and optimization. The results show that the maximum energy saving of ITCDIC is 52.25% (compared with energy consumption of conventional distillation under the minimum reflux ratio operation); the optimal design parameters are obtained, where the rectifying section pressure and the feed thermal condition are Pr=0.3006 MPa and q=0.5107 respectively.

Simulation and Optimization for Thermally Coupled Distillation Using Artificial Neural Network and Genetic Algorithm

In this paper, a new approach using artificial neural network and genetic algorithm for the optimization of the thermally coupled distillation is presented. Mathematical model can be constructed with artificial neural network based on the simulation results with ASPEN PLUS. Modified genetic algorithm was used to optimize the model. With the proposed model and optimization arithmetic, mathematical model can be calculated, decision variables and target value can be reached automatically and quickly. A practical example is used to demonstrate the algorithm.

A Quasi-steady-state Model for Numerical Simulation of Batch Extractive Distillation

Batch extractive distillation(BED)is a special method used in the distillation process by adding a solvent into the batch distillation column to alter the relative volatility of the components and improve the separation. A comprehensive design and simulation method is required due to the complexity of BED.In this study,a quasi-steady-state model for BED is proposed,the derivation and solution of the model are presented.This shortcut model can be used to simulate the composition and temperature of the reboiler,the top and other plates of the column in a batch extractive distillation operation.The calculated values are in good agreement with the experimental data.The results show that the quasi-steady-state model is a practical method because of some advantages such as high precision and fast calculation.

Shortcut Algorithm for Simulation of Batch Extractive Distillation

The batch extractive distillation (BED) process has the advantages of both batch and extractive distillation. It is one of the most promising means for the separation of azeotropic and close-boiling point systems. However, so far this process has not been applied in industry due to its over-complexity. A new shortcut model was proposed to simulate the operation of the batch extractive distillation operations. This algorithm is based on the assumption that the batch extractive distillation column can be considered as a continuous extractive distillation column with changing feed at any time. Namely, the whole batch process is simulated as a succession of a finite number of steady states of short duration, in which holdup is considered as constant mole. For each period of time the batch extractive distillation process is solved through the algorithm for continuous extractive distillation. Finally, the practical implementation of the shortcut model is discussed and data from the laboratory and literature are presented. It is found that this model has better adaptability, more satisfactory accuracy and less calculative load than previous rigorous model. Hence the algorithm for simulating BED is verified.

Simulation and design of a heat-integrated double-effect reactive distillation process for propylene glycol methyl ether production

A double-effect reactive distillation(DERD)process was proposed for the production of propylene glycol methyl ether from propylene oxide and methanol to overcome the shortcoming of low selectivity and high-energy consumption in the tubular plug-flow reactor.A single-column reactive distillation(RD)process was conducted under optimized operating conditions based on sensitivity analysis as a reference.The results demonstrated that the proposed DERD process is able to achieve more than 95%selectivity of the desired product.After that,a design approach of the DERD process with an objective of the minimum operating cost was proposed to achieve further energy savings in the RD process.The proposed DERD configuration can provide a large energy-savings by totally utilization of the overhead vapor steam in the high-pressure RD column.A comparison of the single-column RD process revealed that the proposed DERD process can reduce the operating cost and the total annual cost of 25.3%and 30.7%,respectively,even though the total capital cost of DERD process is larger than that of the RD process.

Comparative Analysis: Trays versus Packed Columns in Pressure-Swing Distillation for the Separation of Tetrahydrofuran, Water and Ethanol Azeotropic Mixture

This paper delves into the comparative study of tray and packed column pressure swing distillation systems, focusing on the separation of a ternary mixture containing ethanol, tetrahydrofuran (THF), and water. The study particularly emphasizes the production of 99.5 w/w% tetrahydrofuran from the downstream product of 1,4-butanediol synthesis via diethyl maleate. Pro/II simulation software is utilized to explore various system configurations, including sieve trays, valve trays, and packed columns. Material and energy balances are performed to ascertain stream compositions and energy demands. The investigation encompasses the effects of column operating pressure on condenser and reboiler temperatures, as well as the implications of utility streams. A rigorous distillation model is employed to compare valve tray, sieve tray, and random packing (utilizing Norton Super Intalox) column designs by varying the number of trays, reflux ratio, and second distillation column pressure. Heat exchangers are integrated into the model, and their areas and utility flow rates are computed and integrated into the economic assessment. Economic analysis, guided by Net Present Value (NPV) calculations over a 20-year span, drives the selection of the most cost-effective design. Results demonstrate that while all designs are energy-efficient, the packed column system emerges as the most economical choice, offering a comprehensive framework for the separation process. Furthermore, optimal design configurations and operating conditions for both tray and packed column systems are outlined, providing valuable insights for industrial applications.

START-UP AND DYNAMIC PROCESSES SIMULATION OF A DISTILLATION COLUMN

A new dynamic non-equilibrium mixing-pool model for simulating start-up and dynamic re-sponse of a distillation column is reported.The proposed model is established on the basis ofconsidering the two dimensional flow/mixing behavior of actual trays in a distillation column.Com-parison is made among the computed results of the start-up time and the dynamic response time bythe proposed and five other typical models.It is found that the computed time for both dynamicprocesses is longer by the model which considers any flow/mixing pattern than by the model withoutsuch concern.The inertia effect of flow/mixing seems to be important and can not be ignored inmodeling the transient process of distillation.The proposed model,which is believed to be suitableto large column,seems somewhat useful in predicting industrial distillation dynamics.

The Modeling and Simulation of Reactive Distillation for the Esterification Process

In this paper,a generalized model of the reactive distillation processes was developed via rate-based approach. The homotopy-continuation method was employed to solve the complicated nonlinear model equations efficiently. The simulation on the reactive distillation processes was carried out with the profiles of stage temperature,composition and flow rate for both vapor and liquid phases obtained. Based on careful analysis of the simulation results, the pitfalls in experimental design were detected. Finally, a software package for the simulation of reactive distillation processes was developed.

Simulation for Synthesis of TAME with Catalytic Distillation Process

The triangular matrixing modified relaxation model equation was established for the syn-thesis of TAME with catalytic distillation process, and a new accelerated convergence technique was adopted. The simulation on the synthesis of TAME showed that the calculated data agreed well with the experimental results.

Simulation of Molecular Distillation Process for Lactic Acid

In this work, a procedure to simulate the MD （molecular distillation） process for lactic acid purification was developed. The simulation was carried out with the aid of the Aspen Plus Process Simulator. Flash vessel was used to represent the MD process since the software does not present this unit operation. The simulation results with efficiency factors were in agreement with previously reported experimental data.

Application of Artificial Neural Networks Based Monte Carlo Simulation in the Expert System Design and Control of Crude Oil Distillation Column of a Nigerian Refinery

This research work investigated comparative studies of expert system design and control of crude oil distillation column (CODC) using artificial neural networks based Monte Carlo (ANNBMC) simulation of random processes and artificial neural networks (ANN) model which were validated using experimental data obtained from functioning crude oil distillation column of Port-Harcourt Refinery, Nigeria by MATLAB computer program. Ninety percent (90%) of the experimental data sets were used for training while ten percent (10%) were used for testing the networks. The maximum relative errors between the experimental and calculated data obtained from the output variables of the neural network for CODC design were 1.98 error % and 0.57 error % when ANN only and ANNBMC were used respectively while their respective values for the maximum relative error were 0.346 error % and 0.124 error % when they were used for the controller prediction. Larger number of iteration steps of below 2500 and 5000 were required to achieve convergence of less than 10-7?for the training error using ANNBMC for both the design of the CODC and controller respectively while less than 400 and 700 iteration steps were needed to achieve convergence of 10-4?using ANN only. The linear regression analysis performed revealed the minimum and maximum prediction accuracies to be 80.65% and 98.79%;and 98.38% and 99.98% when ANN and ANNBMC were used for the CODC design respectively. Also, the minimum and maximum prediction accuracies were 92.83% and 99.34%;and 98.89% and 99.71% when ANN and ANNBMC were used for the CODC controller respectively as both methodologies have excellent predictions. Hence, artificial neural networks based Monte Carlo simulation is an effective and better tool for the design and control of crude oil distillation column.

Design, Optimization and Control of Extractive Distillation for Separation of Ethyl Acetate-Ethanol-Water Mixture Using Ionic Liquids

In this work, the process simulation of pressure-swing distillation(PSD) and extractive distillation(ED) using ionic liquid(IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate([bmim][OAc]) as the entrainer for separation of ethyl acetateethanol-water mixture is performed. The design parameters of the two distillation processes are optimized with the minimum total annual cost(TAC) serving as the objective function. The results show that the TAC saving of ED process is 35.27% in comparison with that of PSD process in the case of achieving the same purity and yield of ethyl acetate.In addition, the dynamic controllability of ED process is further studied. The traditional two-point temperature control structure is proposed for the ED process, and it works pretty well while taking into account the disturbances in both feed rate and feed composition.

Batch Extractive Distillation in a Column with a Middle Vessel

Batch extractive distillation was studied in a column with amiddle vessel. The process was simulated by a constant holdup modeland solved by two point implicit method. Acetone and methanol mixturewas separated in such a setup using water as solvent. The simulationagrees well with experimental results. The experimental andsimulation results show that the solvent at the bottom and theproduct at the top of the column can be withdrawn simulataneously fora long period of time. It needs more time for the solvent to reachhigh purity than that required for the more volatile component toreach high purity, so that the time to withdraw solvent from thebottom is delayed.

Process optimization of an industrial acetic acid dehydration progress via heterogeneous azeotropic distillation

The simulated process model of the HAc dehydration process under actual overloaded condition was conducted by amending the model of standard condition in our previous work using the process data collected from actual production. Based on the actual process model, the operation optimization analysis of each plant(HAc dehydration column, decanter and NPA recycle column) was conducted using Residue Curve Maps(RCMs),sensitivity analysis and software optimization module. Based on the optimized parameters, the influence of feed impurity MA and the temperature of decanter on the separating effect and energy consumption of the whole process were analyzed. Then the whole process operation optimizing strategy was proposed with the objective that the total reboiler duty Q Total of C-1 and C-3 reaches the minimum value, keeping C-1 and C-3 at their optimized separation parameters obtained above, connecting all the broken recycle and connection streams, and using the temperature of D-1 as operation variable. The optimization result shows that the total reboiler duty Q Total of the whole process can reach the minimum value of 128.32 × 10~6 k J·h^(-1) when the temperature of decanter is 352.35 K, and it can save 5.94 × 10~6 k J·h^(-1), about 2.56 t·h^(-1) low-pressure saturated vapor.