Evaluation of different vapor recompression distillation configurations based on energy requirements and associated costs

Abstract

Distillation with vapor recompression is an emerging technology for reduction of energy consumption of distillation systems. Several configurations of vapor recompression can be used for improving efficiency of a distillation column. Selecting one of these configurations affects the energy requirements and also the equipment needed to carry out the purification process. Thus, inappropriate selection of one configuration might result in huge amounts of energy loss. In this research, six different vapor recompression configurations are applied on a benzene–toluene distillation column. These configurations are simulated using Aspen HYSYS simulator and economically evaluated using Aspen Economic Evaluation software. Based on energy and hot and cold utility requirements, annual operating costs, total capital costs, utility costs and equipment costs of different configurations, the best vapor recompression configuration is selected.