Theoretical Investigation on the Performance of Multicomponent Distillation Column for the Separation of Hydrocarbon Mixture Using Inside out Approach

Abstract

In this paper, the performance of a distillation column with a multicomponent hydrocarbon mixture as a feed is theoretically studied. The rigorous solution technique namely the inside out method has been used to predict the performance of the system under study. The mathematical model of the inside out method has been developed and detailed simulation studies have been carried out to predict the performance of the separation of multicomponent hydrocarbon mixture. In simulation studies, temperature profile, composition profile and flow rates of both liquid and vapor phases has been computed. The column profiles computed using inside out method have been compared with the profiles obtained using bubble point method, Lewis- Matheson method and a SCDS column in CHEMCAD process simulator. The effect of feed location on the column performance has been studied and an optimum feed location has been determined. The condenser and reboiler duties for the column have also been calculated. The convergence behavior of the inside out method has also been studied by plotting a profile of its convergence parameters.