High purity distillation column: Simulation and optimization

Abstract

Distillation columns with a high-purity product (down to 7 ppm) have been studied. A steady state model is developed using a commercial process simulator. The model is validated against industrial data. Based on the model, three major optimal operational changes are identified. These are, lowering the location of the feed and side draw streams, increasing the pressure at the top of the distillation column and changing the configuration of the products draw. It is estimated that these three changes will increase the throughput of each column by 5%. The validated model is also used to quantify the effects on key internal column parameters such as the flooding factor, in the event of significant changes to product purity and throughput.