This paper is concerned with the computer-aided optimal design of reaction-distillation processes. The production of solvent 2,3-dimethylbutene-1 by isomerization of 2,3dimethylbutene-2 is considered as an innovative benchmark problem. Possible process candidates are a reactive distillation column, a reactor coupled to a nonreactive distillation column or a reactive reboiler with a nonreactive ...

Previously, Tanskanen and Pohjola (2000) and Tanskanen and Malinen (2005) have presented a method of rigorous minimum energy calculation for non-ideal multicomponent distillation. The method is based on column simulation with a large number of equilibrium stages to mimic infinitely high columns, and it has been successfully tested with simple distillation column systems. This paper describes a ...

Reactive distillation has received intense attention due to the well known benefits of integrating distillation with reaction in a single unit. While there are procedures available for the synthesis of non-reactive columns and of reaction-separation systems, the design of reactive distillation columns is still a challenge. This work presents a new synthesis and design methodology for reactive d...

The paper considers the effect of feed plate location on the interactions in a seven plate binary distillation column. The mathematical model of the distillation column is deduced based on the equations of mass and energy balances for each stage, detailed model for both reboiler and condenser, and heat transfer equations. The Dynamic Relative Magnitude Criterion, DRMC is used to assess the inte...

The paper considers the effect of feed plate location on the interactions in a seven plate binary distillation column. The mathematical model of the distillation column is deduced based on the equations of mass and energy balances for each stage, detailed model for both reboiler and condenser, and heat transfer equations. The Dynamic Relative Magnitude Criterion, DRMC is used to assess the inte...

The multi®essel batch distillation column, as well as con®entional batch distillation, ( ) can be operated in a closed total reflux mode where the products are collected in ®essels along the column. A pre®iously proposed and simulated feedback control strategy for the closed operation is to indirectly adjust the ®essel holdups by using the reflux flow out of the ®essel to control the termperatu...

An important amount of work exists on the topic of optimal operation and control of batch distillation though it is still based on the assumption of an accurate process model being available. While this assumption is valid from a theoretical point of view, there will always remain the challenge of practical applications. Reinforcement Learning (RL) has been recognised already as a particularly ...

The influence of pressure variations upon distillation operation does not seem to be well-understood in the open literature, because contradicting statements concerning the importance of pressure control on binary distillation are found. To minimize energy consumption, it is recommended to operate columns at minimum pressure; however, even if column pressure is controlled, instability may still...

Existing refinery distillation systems are highly energy-intensive, and have complex column configurations that interact strongly with the associated heat exchanger network. An optimisation approach is developed for existing refinery distillation processes. The optimisation framework includes shortcut models developed for the simulation of the existing distillation column, and a retrofit shortc...