Optimization of Petlyuk distillation column design of multi-component mixtures separation process using stochastic optimization algorithm

Abstract

Distillation process is a process which involves a separation of two or more components. The most crucial issue in distillation process is the excessive usage of energy. Therefore, Petlyuk distillation column design and the right optimization method is highly needed to overcome the issue. The purpose of this research is aimed to design a Petlyuk distillation column based on a few methods such as a shortcut method, a modified shortcut method and Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium (VLE). The result of VLE is being optimized using a few of stochastic optimization algorithms such as Genetic Algorithm (GA), Imperialist Competitive Algorithm (ICA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Duelist Algorithm (DA). From the result obtained, a Petlyuk distillation column designed using shortcut method, modified shortcut method and VLE are able to reduce the Total Annual Cost (TAC) by 30.16%, 36.03%, and 43.90% respectively. Besides, the design of distillation column could affect the total energy required, capital cost, operational cost, and the quality of the product. VLE method which optimized by PSO is observed could reduce the TAC by 45.76%. Moreover, the composition is observed to be approximately equal to the actual data which are 0.05775, 0.94925 and 0.38469 for ethane, propane, and n-butane.