Enhancing multi-component separation of aromatics with Kaibel columns and DWC

• Published in: Computer Aided Chemical Engineering Vol. 30; pp. 672 - 676
• Main Authors: Flores Landaeta, Servando J., Kiss, Anton A., de Haanb, Andre´ B.
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: Aromatics separation; Dividing-wall column; Energy savings; Kaibel column; Aromatics separation; Dividing-wall column; Kaibel column; Energy savings
• ISBN: 9780444594310; 0444594310
• ISSN: 1570-7946
• DOI: 10.1016/B978-0-444-59519-5.50135-0

This study investigates novel schemes for an energy efficient separation of aromatics, based on a dividing-wall column (DWC) and a Kaibel distillation column. AspenTech Aspen Plus®was used as CAPE tool to perform rigorous simulations and optimization of the proposed designs applying a simplified platforming as case study. The novel design with two consecutive DWCs reduces the energy demand by 7%, while the alternative that combines a conventional stripper with a Kaibel column leads to over 17% energy savings as compared to an optimized conventional direct distillation sequence. The novel schemes also require less equipment and a reduced plant footprint.