Simulation of multicomponent separation in internally heat integrated distillation column using the compact heat exchanger system

The present work discusses a method for process intensification of the distillation process of separation. A model of an internally heat-integrated distillation column (HIDiC) with concentric and compact heat exchanger types was developed using a rate-based model and the separation of multicomponent mixture was simulated in a simulator which is capable of predicting steady-state conditions. The developed model was applied to concentric and compact heat exchanger types of HIDiC, and their separation and operation performances were compared. It was found that the HIDiC compact heat exchanger process can also be used for zero reflux and/or no reboil operation. This process improved the function and performance of conventional distillation separation process and could be miniaturized. In addition, the HIDiC compact heat exchanger showed highly energy saving performance compared with the conventional distillation processes.