ABSTRACT
Tetrahydrofuran (THF) purification by distillation is difficult due to the existence of its homogeneous, minimum boiling azeotrope with water. Previously conducted extractive distillation runs were used in this work to validate a rigorous model.
The validated model was then used to arrive at a feasible range of operating parameters by performing sensitivity analysis. It is shown through simulations that with the correct operating parameters, use of dimethyl sulfoxide can help obtain almost pure THF.
Nomenclature
Abbreviations and acronyms | = | |
THF | = | Tetrahydrofuran |
BD | = | 1,4-Butanediol |
PD | = | 1,2-Propanediol |
DMSO | = | Dimethyl sulfoxide |
PTMEG | = | Poly-tetramethylene glycol |
DMF | = | Dimethyl formamide |
PSD | = | Pressure swing distillation |
VLE | = | Vapour liquid equilibrium |
RADFRAC | = | Rigorous 2 or 3 phase fractionating column |
NRTL | = | Non Random Two Liquid method |
NRTL-RK | = | Non Random Two Liquid-Redlich Kwong equation |
UNIQUAC | = | Universal Quasi Chemical equation |
UNIFAC | = | UNIQUAC functional group activity coefficient method |
CHAO-SEA | = | Chao Seader method |
WILSON | = | Wilson ideal gas and liquid enthalpy reference state |
van Laar | = | Van der Waals equation |
RR | = | Reflux ratio |
Rb | = | Reboiler duty |
RCM | = | Residue curve map |
MESH | = | Material balance, Equilibrium, Summation and Enthalpy balance relations |
HIGHLIGHTS
Tetrahydrofuran (THF) purification by extractive distillation was simulated.
Validation of a rigorous distillation model and simulation thereof was performed.
A feasible range of operating parameters is obtained by sensitivity analysis.
Complete recovery process is indicated by use of residue curve maps.
Use of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is shown to produce highly pure THF.