Startup methods analysis of a cryogenic distillation system with two interlinked columns for hydrogen isotope separation

Abstract

Effective startup methods are crucial for the successful operation of a distillation facility. In order to design a viable startup method for a cryogenic distillation demonstration system with two interlinked columns for hydrogen isotope separation, which is under construction at Institute of Materials, China Academy of Engineering Physics, Aspen Plus and Aspen Dynamics were employed in combination to generate a dynamic numerical model for the startup analysis. Total four conventional startup methods were analysed. The most time-effective method was identified and the other of the four startup methods were found to be able to lead to successful startup results but with varied operation complexity and length of time to reach the steady state. The effective startup method that involved in charging the two distillation columns with equilibrated hydrogen isotope mixtures respectively, took only 50.36 h to reach the target steady state. And the identified method would be employed into the cryogenic distillation demonstration system to check its startup efficient.