Optimization And Control Of Heterogeneous Azeotropic Batch Distillation

The heterogeneous azeotropic distillation process in batch columns was studied. It is a good alternative to the separation of non-ideal mixtures when there is small amount to be processed and the continuous process become expensive because of the operating costs. The system of entrainer plus initial mixture was analyzed for characteristics that were favorable to obtain the desired separation. Different operating policies were discussed. The control implementation was proposed. The process was optimized considering the operational time and energy consumption. Phenol/water separation was used as case study. Simulations were performed using the AEA technology Hysys.Plant process simulator. A continuous heterogeneous azeotropic distillation to phenol/water separation using toluene is provided.73671