Process modeling and simulation of ethylene oxide production by implementing pinch and cost analysis

Abstract

This study focused on the modeling and simulation of the Ethylene Oxide (EO) production process in Aspen plus software and energy optimization of the whole process using the Pinch analysis. This work focused on ethylene oxide production by the air-based system and modeled and simulated the whole process in Aspen plus® using the S.R.K. and PSRK thermodynamic models. By process design, modeling and simulation, the behavior of the actual process has been predicted. After process simulation, it has been concluded that control the oxygen concentration by controlling the airflow and controlling the reactor's temperatures causes an impact on our desired product. When the oxygen concentration increases, ethylene is oxidized completely and generated useless products such as carbon dioxide and water to enhance production. Energy optimization of ethylene oxide production is completed through Pinch analysis and saves 18.27million $ per year, which is consumed in heating or cooling streams.