International Journal of Basic and Applied Science
Vol. 12 No. 2 (2023): Sep: Basic and Applied Science

Optimization of distillation column reflux ratio for distillate purity and process energy requirements

Fitriah Fitriah (Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang, Indonesia)
Dessy Agustina Sari (Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Sep 2023

Abstract

Recovering ethanol solutions from filtration, extraction, and stripping operations is done in the distillation column, a separation process unit in the carboxymethyl cellulose production plant. Because the ethanol produced by these techniques is produced at a lower concentration, distillation is required to purify the ethanol. This procedure can raise the concentration of ethanol by separating it from the mixture. The concentration of the ethanol solution needs to be 85% in order to be reused. This case study aims to determine the optimal reflux ratio for a distillation column, model the process in both real-world and manual calculation scenarios using Aspen Hysys software, and evaluate the effects of increasing the reflux ratio. Manual computations yielded a reflux ratio result of 0.91814. In the meantime, an ethanol concentration of 85% is produced by the reflux ratio of 1.080 that is derived from the Aspen Hysys simulation. By generating a heat flow of 1.889 x 106 kJ/h, the ideal reflux ratio of 1.080 was reached, whereas the Aspen Hysys simulation yielded a reflux ratio of 0.91814. This allowed for an ethanol concentration of 85%. The Aspen Hysys simulation yields an ethanol concentration of 82.11% and a heat flow of 1.399 x 106 kJ/h. The ethanol concentration and reboiler steam heat flow are impacted by the reflux ratio value, according to the reflux ratio results. The amount of reboiler steam heat generated may become linear with a larger reflux ratio, and the energy required to complete the distillation process may likewise rise.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijobas

Publisher

Subject

Computer Science & IT Control & Systems Engineering Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Electrical & Electronics Engineering Physics

Description

International Journal of Basic and Applied Science provides an advanced forum on all aspects of applied natural sciences. It publishes reviews, research papers, and communications. Our aim is to encourage scientists to publish their experimental and theoretical results in as much detail as possible. ...