Modeling and analysis of internal heat integrated distillation columns

A generalized steady-state model is being developed for an internal heat in tegrated distillation column (IHIDiC). A procedure incorporating the Newton -Raphson method is devised for solving the model equations. Separation of a n ethanol-water binary mixture is simulated and analyzed with the model. Tw o pinch points are found within the process, making the separation extremel y difficult and expensive. Two sharp fronts in the temperature and the comp osition profiles are being observed. With the introduction of heat integrat ion, satisfactory separation may be obtained in a limited number of stages with lower reflux ratios. Increasing the pressure difference between the re ctifying and the stripping sections, however, would bring about a reduced r elative volatility between the two components involved, creating adverse se paration performances. It is obvious that optimization of the IHIDiC is of prime importance.