Simulation of heat integrated multiple effect evaporator system

•Nonlinear model is developed for simulation of seven effect evaporator system.•Model include steam splitting, flashing, bleeding, liquor heating by condensate.•Optimum number and placement of flash tanks are selected based on economic analyses.•These configurations are compared based on steam economy to select the optimum one.

In the present work a number of configurations and difficulties of MEE system such as condensate flashing, vapor bleeding, steam splitting, preheating of liquor using condensate, variable physical properties and boiling point rise are taken into consideration to analyze the evaporation system. For this purpose seven effect evaporator system of a typical Indian pulp and paper industry is considered. The model developed is a set of nonlinear algebraic equations that include total and solute mass balances, energy balances, heat transfer rate equations, and the composition and temperature dependence of thermodynamic properties such as vapor pressures and enthalpies. The model is solved using nonlinear equation solver.Economic evaluation to optimize the number of flash tanks is carried out for seven effect evaporator system. The two different types of configurations of vapor bleeding are considered and compared. Considering optimum number of flash tanks and best configuration of vapor bleeding, a system is designed. Further, a modified system is found considering optimum number of flash tanks and preheating of liquor using condensate. This modified design enhances the steam economy by 23.77% and reduces the steam consumption by 36.76% in comparison to base case and thus, it is selected as optimum design. Finally, Pinch analysis of the MEE network has also been carried out and it is found that predicted results are compared well with base case.