Optimal Operation of Multicomponent Batch Distillation - A Comparative Study Using Conventional and Unconventional Columns

Abstract

A comparative study is presented for multicomponent batch distillation using conventional and unconventional batch columns. For a fixed capital cost and for a given objective function the performance of various configurations, for a particular separation task, is studied and compared using optimal control techniques. Preliminary results show the choice of the best column configuration is highly dependent on factors such as thermodynamic properties of the feed, feed composition, product specificatios etc., thus requiring careful optimisation. The work presented also identifies potential design parameters for the complex column.