Simulation of a Multi-component Crude Distillation Column

摘要

Steady state models for a multi-component crude distillation column have been developed from the MESH equations. The equations developed are capable of predicting the concentrations (mole fractions) and temperature of any component/fraction of interest from the mixture on the trays of the column. The accuracy of the models was ascertained with plant data of the crude distillation unit of the Port-Harcourt Refinery. The models applied to this distillation column produced a set of forty eight coupled algebraic equations for any component/fraction of interest. These equations were transformed into a matrix and solve by matrix inversion using the Mathlab solver. The model results of the concentrations and temperatures for five components compared favorably with output values from the distillation unit with maximum deviations of 8.33% and 6.62% respectively. The developed model also accurately predicted the tray of withdrawal of the five components/fractions in the distillation column. The models were therefore used to simulate the effects of feed flow rate and feed tray position on the efficiency of the distillation column.