Thermodynamic optimisation of distillation columns

In this paper a methodology for thermodynamic analysis and distillation column ‘targeting’ is presented, with emphasis on the use of side condensers and side reboilers. Research in the past has been towards the establishment of a heat distribution curve, showing the way in which heat can be added or extracted across the different column sections. One major disadvantage of these profiles is that they refer to reversible columns, and cannot be used effectively to target for modifications in a real column. The main feature of the proposed methodology is the introduction of a minimum driving force, defined in terms of exergy loss distribution of the existing column, to set realisable targets for side reboiling/condensing in real columns, resulting in considerable energy savings. In addition to providing realisable targets, the new approach also provides the design engineer with information about the best location to place a side exchanger, and the required additional column modifications. The methodology can be applied using conventional column models in commercial process simulation programs, but can be significantly simplified by using reboiled and refluxed absorber models in a bespoke program. Simulation results for modified designs set by the new approach, for binary and multicomponent separations, verify the feasibility of the targets. This contrasts with previous approaches, which result in temperature shifts and heat load penalties after placing side reboilers/condensers, thus requiring additional simulation time and experienced judgement.