A method for the design of distillation systems aided by ionic liquids

Ionic liquids (ILs) have recently been considered for several applications in chemical processes. Particularly, as they promote an evident salting-out effect over vapor–liquid equilibrium properties and integrate the advantages of a liquid entrainer with the benefits of a solid salt, the use of ILs for the ethanol–water separation has gained wider interest. In this work, a design method for distillation systems aided by ILs is presented. The method is based on tray-by-tray calculations from the outside to the inside of the column, and the feed stage is determined by using a minimum distance concept. The method is illustrated with an ethanol dehydration design. An analysis on the effect of ILs on the column composition profiles is also carried out. The method is shown to provide an effective tool for the conceptual design of these types of systems.