Optimization of the operating conditions of azeotropic distillation columns with pervaporation membranes

DAVIOU, MARIA C.; HOCH, PATRICIA M.; ELICECHE, ANA M.

LATIN AMERICAN APPLIED RESEARCH

PLAPIQUI(UNS-CONICET)

Año: 2003 vol. 33 p. 177 - 183

0327-0793

The main objective of this work is the optimization of the operating conditions of azeotropic distillation columns in hybrid distillation/ pervaporation systems. In the configuration analyzed, a liquid side stream extracted from the azeotropic distillation column with the distributing non-key component is treated in a pervaporation membrane while the retentate is recycled to the column. The pervaporation membrane separates the pure distributing non-key component from the mixture, thus helping to improve the purity in the top and/or bottom products of the distillation column. The case study shows the hybrid process of a distillation column combined with pervaporation membranes, compared to the classical two-column process for Methyl tert-Butyl Ether production. In both cases, the operating conditions of the distillation columns such as reflux ratio, product and side draw flowrates are selected optimally. The numerical results show a significant reduction in operating cost obtained by using a pervaporation membrane instead of the second column in the original process.