Distillation Resistance: A quick cost and duty estimation for a simple distillation columns train

Abstract

Quick cost estimations for new processes, with no precedent working plants, in order to check their feasibility are very difficult to perform. Duty requirements are needed to perform the cost estimations to check its profitability. Obtaining these energy needs for a process, or a specific section, are very time consuming and result in long periods of time before a conclusion can be made upon the viability of a process. The distillation resistance could solve this problem by presenting a short cut to a quick duty estimation. This correlation is set out to preview the duty for a separation train consisting of simple distillation columns. Demonstrating the reliability of this correlation could in a very early stage of a project allow for a good indication on its feasibility of this section. Giving guidance based on its reaction and separation choice. The main focus of this project is to validate this correlation by using a different information source than the one used for its elaboration. After some needed corrections for high Hvap associated compounds separations, a trustworthy validation of the proposed correlation is presented, giving in this way good signs for an overcome of the time needed to perform a valid duty estimation quickly. In extension to the validation, an introduction for a similar duty estimation for the reaction section is shown, opening the door to a quick full process estimation in a near future. More research regarding heat exchanger contribution without knowing the flowsheet could make this reaction section model as assertive as the distillation section one prior is. Finalizing the duty estimation with a correlated cost estimation, the outcome showed similar results to previous works from Jean Paul Lange 1. Showing good estimation results within boundaries of -50% up to +100%. of the equation.