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BITS Pilani: Module 4: Design of Separation Systems Lecture-14

The document discusses distillation column design and sequencing for multi-component mixtures. It states that distillation is effective for separations where relative volatilities are above 1.1, and that components with lower relative volatility may be grouped together and treated as a single component. The document also discusses different sequencing options for simple distillation columns, with the goal of selecting the lowest cost sequence based on factors like component volatility and integration opportunities. Heuristics for identifying good sequences are provided, such as performing difficult separations later and favoring the removal of final products sequentially as distillates.

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70 views18 pages

BITS Pilani: Module 4: Design of Separation Systems Lecture-14

The document discusses distillation column design and sequencing for multi-component mixtures. It states that distillation is effective for separations where relative volatilities are above 1.1, and that components with lower relative volatility may be grouped together and treated as a single component. The document also discusses different sequencing options for simple distillation columns, with the goal of selecting the lowest cost sequence based on factors like component volatility and integration opportunities. Heuristics for identifying good sequences are provided, such as performing difficult separations later and favoring the removal of final products sequentially as distillates.

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pulkit
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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BITS Pilani

Pilani Campus

Module 4: Design of Separation Systems


Lecture-14
Design of Distillation columns
Course: Process Plant Design CE 1705/1701

Nandana Chakinala
Department of Chemical Engineering
LSS: Applicability of
Distillation
• In general, distillation is the least expensive means
of separating mixtures of liquids
– However, if the relative volatilities (α) of the components
with close boiling points is less than 1.1 (i.e., α < 1.1) or
so
– Then, distillation becomes very expensive
1. i.e., large reflux ratio
2. large condensers and reboilers
3. large steam and cooling water costs

2
Contd..

• Whenever we encounter two neighbouring


components having a relative volatility of less than
1.1 in a mixture
– we group these components together and treat this
group as a single component in the mixture

3
Contd..

• Develop the best distillation sequence for the group


and the other components
– and then we separate the lumped components by using
other procedures

Fig: Distillation Separations


4
Contd..

Simple columns are associated with 1) Feed split in to products 2) key components
adjacent in volatility 3) A reboiler and condenser
5
LSS: 5. Column Sequencing –
Simple Columns
• For sharp splits of a three component mixture
– we can either recover the lightest component first or the
heaviest component first
– then we split the remaining two components

Fig: Distillation alternatives for a ternary mixtures


6
LSS: 5. Column Sequencing –
Simple Columns
• Mostly there is significant difference in the capital
and operating cost of these two sequences.

Fig: Distillation alternatives for a ternary mixtures


7
Contd..

• When the number of components increases


• the number of alternatives increases very rapidly
• The splits that can be made in the 14 alternatives
for a five-component mixture are listed in
Table 7.3-2

8
Contd..
• The splits that can be made in the 14 alternatives
for a five-component mixture

9
Contd..

Table 7.3-1 Number of alternatives

Number of Sequences( N S ) =
(2 N − 2)!
N!(N − 1)!
where, N is the number of components
10
Contd..

• For four component separation


Ncom = N = 4; Ncol = N-1 = 3;
Nseq = (2N-2)!/[N! (N-1)!] = 6!/[(4!)(3!)] = 5

11
Contd..

12
Contd..

13
Choosing best sequence:
Major decision
Heat integration also effect operating cost significantly
• In direct sequence, the P of second column could be
increased relative to first column to allow condenser
heat from second column to provide reboiler heat to
the first column
• In addition, there could be heat integration for other
parts of process, simultaneous optimization of
sequence together with heat integration required

14
Practical constraints
Constraints reduce the no of options that can be considered
• Safety consideration: Hazardous components to be
removed from the process as early as possible
• If any component is highly reactive or heat sensitive,
should be removed as early as possible
• Corrosive materials to be removed early, to minimize cost
of expensive MOC
• If decomposition of certain components in the reboiler is
likely to contaminate product, no finished product can be
taken from column bottom
• For compounds likely to undergo polymerization, certain
chemicals (hydroquinone) added as inhibitors. In this case,
finished product cannot be taken from column bottom
• Components requiring low T or high P for condensation
15
Common Industrial Separation
Methods
Separation Phase of Separation Developed or Separation
Method the feed agent added phase principle
Equilibrium L and/or V Pressure V or L difference in
reduction or heat
flash transfer
volatility

Distillation L and/or V Heat transfer or V or L difference in


shaft work
volatility
Gas V Liquid absorbent L difference in
Absorption volatility
Stripping L Vapor stripping V difference in
agent
volatility
Extractive L and/or V Liquid solvent V and L difference in
and heat transfer
Distillation volatility

Azeotropic L and/or V Liquid entrainer V and L difference in


and heat transfer
Distillation volatility
Identifying the Best
Sequences using Heuristics
1. Separations in which R.V is 1, or mixtures which exhibit
azeotropic behavior should be performed in absence of
non key components – Do difficult separations in the last
2. Favor sequences removing final products one-by-one as
distillates (the direct sequence).
3. A component comprising of large fraction of feed should
be removed first.
4. Favor near equimolar splits between top and bottom
products in individual columns.

17
Heuristics

Case to case basis varies


All heuristics may not be applied
All heuristics are qualitative
All heuristics restricted to simple columns with no heat
integration – means all reboilers and condensers are
serviced by utilities
Arrangement of sequence should be such that the cost of
separation reduces, as the separation proceeds.
Difficulties arise when heuristics conflict with each other

18

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