Distillation of a Complex Mixture. Part I: High Pressure Distillation Column Analysis: Modeling and Simulation

In this analysis, based on the bubble point method, a physical model was established clarifying the interactions (mass and heat) between the species present in the streams in circulation in the column. In order to identify the externally controlled operating parameters, the degree of freedom of the column was determined by using Gibbs phase rule. The mathematical model converted to Fortran code and based on the principles of: 1) Global and local mass conservation balance, 2) Enthalpy balance, and 3) Vapour-liquid equilibrium at each tray, was used to simulate the behavior of the column, concentration distributions, temperature and streams for each phase along the column at high pressure in each tray. The energy consumption at the condenser and the boiler was also evaluated using the Starling equation of state.