Minimum energy distillation columns sequence for aromatics separation process

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to present the study of the optimal synthesis of energy efficient distillation columns (EEDCs) sequence of aromatics separation process by using driving force method. In order to perform the study and analysis, the EEDCs sequence methodology is developed. Accordingly, the methodology consists of four hierarchical steps; Step 1: Existing Sequence Energy Analysis, Step 2: Optimal Sequence Determination, Step 3: Optimal Sequence Energy Analysis, and Step 4: Energy Comparison. The capability of this methodology is tested in designing minimum energy distillation column sequence for aromatics separation process. The results show that the maximum of 7.0% energy reduction was able to achieve by changing the sequence suggested by the driving force method. It can be concluded that, the sequence determined by the driving force method is able to reduce energy used for aromatics separation process in an easy, practical and systematic manner.