Application of An Energy-Efficient Distillation System using Three Columns to Hexane Process

摘要

Though a fully thermally coupled distillation column-an energy efficient distillation system-consumes less energy,it is not widely implemented in practice due to its operational difficulty.A 3-column distillation system having improved operability is proposed here,and its energy saving performance and application related issues are investigated from the implementation result to a practical hexane process.When an energy integration is employed,the proposed system requires 18% less energy than a conventional 2-column system,which is found from the HYSYS simulation.Though more control loops than the 2-column system are required,the proposed system has better controllability of product compositions and the pressure control of the system is easier.