ABSTRACT
The distribution of trays on sides of the vertical wall in the divided wall column not only affects the components separation, but also the capital investment and operation costs, which may have a significant effect on the simulation optimization in both (chemical) theoretical and practical studies. In this article, the effects of the patterns of trays distribution on the internal stream distribution, energy cost, and optimal operation condition are investigated and analyzed based on the theory and process simulation. According to the simulation results, there exists separation limit value on both sides of the vertical wall.
Nomenclature
DWC | = | Divided wall column |
Hk | = | Heavy key component |
Lk | = | Light key component |
BTX | = | Benzene-toluene-xylene |
Rl | = | Liquid split ratio |
Rv | = | Vapor split ratio |
TAC | = | Total annual costs |
RR | = | Reflux ratio |
Acknowledgements
We declare we do not have any commercial or associative interest in connection with the work submitted.