Model-based retrofit design and analysis of petrochemical processes

Abstract

This chapter presents the development of a systematic methodology that can generate and screen feasible retrofit alternatives, producing the same products from the same raw materials but under more sustainable conditions. The developed methodology is organized in three stages: process analysis, identification and design alternatives, and final verification. In the first stage, process is analyzed in order to identify the design/operational weak points, indicating potential for improvement and thereby to identify design targets that may improve the process. Once the design targets are identified in the last stage, the next stage is to identify and design alternatives that much the design targets. In the second stage, identification of feasible process alternatives are made based on the thermodynamic insights. The process alternatives are generated through an analysis of the physic-chemical properties of the particular mixture present in the system and based on the relationships between properties and separation technique, a list of feasible alternatives for the particular separation task is generated. In the third stage, sustainability metrics are calculated for feasible alternatives identified in stage two. Application of the developed methodology is illustrated through the tert-amyl methyl ether (TAME) process.