Optimal design and operation of multivessel batch distillation with fixed product demand. Modelling, simulation and optimisation of design and operation parameters in multivessel batch distillation under fixed product demand scenario and strict product specifications using simple dynamic model in gPROMS.

Abstract

Increased interest in unconventional batch distillation column configurations offers new opportunities for increasing the flexibility and energy efficiency of batch distillation. One configuration of particular interest is multivessel batch distillation column, which can be viewed as a generalization of all previously studied batch column configuration.

In this work, for the first time the optimal design and operation tasks are developed for multivessel batch distillation with strict product specifications under fixed product demand.

Also, in this work, two different operation schemes defined as STN (State Task Network) in terms of the option and numbers of off-cuts were considered for binary and ternary separation. Both the vapour load and number of stages in each column section together with the production sequence are optimised to achieve maximum profit function.

The performance of the multivessel batch distillation column is evaluated against the performance of conventional batch column with a simple dynamic model using binary and ternary mixtures. It has been found that profitability improves with the multivessel system in both separations. gPROMS, a user-friendly, software is used for the modeling, simulation, and optimisation.