Premium
From graphical to model‐based distillation column design: A McCabe‐Thiele‐inspired mathematical programming approach
Author(s) -
Kong Lingxun,
Maravelias Christos T.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
aiche journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.958
H-Index - 167
eISSN - 1547-5905
pISSN - 0001-1541
DOI - 10.1002/aic.16731
Subject(s) - distillation , piecewise , fractionating column , constant (computer programming) , column (typography) , mathematics , fractional distillation , simple (philosophy) , binary number , mathematical optimization , nonlinear programming , integer (computer science) , nonlinear system , computer science , chemistry , chromatography , mathematical analysis , geometry , philosophy , arithmetic , epistemology , connection (principal bundle) , programming language , physics , quantum mechanics
We propose a mixed‐integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) model for simple and complex distillation column design and optimization. The model is based upon the concepts and equations underpinning the McCabe‐Thiele method. Generalizing this method, we introduce material balances at various locations of the column and employ binary variables to determine the optimal number of trays and optimal feed locations. We model the vapor–liquid equilibrium using continuous piecewise linear approximating functions. The model is extended to account for multicomponent mixtures and non‐constant‐molar overflow. We also discuss how to estimate the minimum number of trays and the minimum reflux ratio.