Optimization Design and Evaluation of the Industrial Distillation‐Membrane Separation Process

Abstract A comprehensive solution strategy based on genetic programming (GP) was introduced into an industrial methyl methacrylate refining plant, and the downstream separation process of acetone/butanol/ethanol fermentation in the “twin tower + horizontal bottle” cycle was optimized. The effects of different membranes and operating temperatures on the process were studied. The mixed‐membrane and modified‐membrane process parameters were shown to improve the economy and environmental protection. The total annual cost was reduced by 9 % and 22.5 %, and CO 2 , SO 2 , and NO x emissions by 37.7 % and 78.7 %, respectively. The energy‐saving distillation‐membrane separation process has significant benefits in industrial production.