Performance analysis and structural optimization of multi-tube type heat integrated distillation column (HIDiC)

In this research, a multi-tube type heat integrated distillation column was developed and investigated by process simulation. By proper simplification and assumption, the process simulation model of multi-tube type HIDiC was developed in Aspen Plus. Tested by two different binary mixtures, benzene & toluene as well as p-xylene & o-xylene, a detail performance analysis was implemented based on the results of the process simulation. Besides the traditional evaluating parameters such as compression ratio, temperature profile and energy saving, the available energy efficiency and duty drop ratio were first proposed to give a more complete analysis. A systematic economic evaluation was applied to assist the structural optimization process. Moreover, the concept of a symmetric heat transfer HIDiC was proposed to improve operational flexibility and given an advanced research.