The present thesis is motivated by chemical engineering: process simulation and optimization with a focus on distillation-based flowsheets. In this context, a process consists of a number of unit operations connected by streams. Such a structure can be represented by a so-called flowsheet. In general, the process should be designed in a way that certain engineering demands are fulfilled, e.g. p...

The problem of designing an on-line optimizing robust output-feedback (OF) controller for binary batch distillation columns with temperature measurements is addressed. The combination of optimality, passivity and detectability notions leads to an estimator-based material balance controller that, for an ample range of load compositions maximizes the profit and yields the prespecified product pur...

A detailed study of main stages of a novel no-conventional process to obtain 1,3propanediol (PD) from glycerol (Gly) has been made. Initially the volumetric productivity of Gly fermentation with Klebsiella pneumoniae bacterium was optimized for one and two continuous stages, where was necessary to study the multiplicity of stable steady states for the fermentation system selecting the condition...

Analytical methods are used to compute all important operational parameters for an infinite staged Petlyuk column as a function of feed composition, feed enthalpy, and relative volatilities. The computational effort is very low, and the methods can be used to get a very good picture of the applicability of a Petlyuk column for a specific separation task. It is found that the largest energy savi...

Batch distillation is one of the most important unit operations for the small-scale production of specialty and fine chemicals. The so called Middle Vessel Batch Distillation (MVBD) with total reflux offers many advantages compared to conventional batch distillation. It is favourable due to the simultaneous production of three products of high purity. In this work, we present a thorough analysi...

Extractive distillation is a common process for the separation of homogeneous azeotropic mixtures. In this process entrainer feed flowrate and reflux ratio of the extractive column represent the crucial design degrees of freedom which govern feasibility and operating cost. In this work feasibility and operational stability of the extractive column is related to the analysis of the nonlinear dyn...

As a novel study, esterification of acetic acid with methanol has been studied in simple batch reactive distillation apparatus to produce methyl acetate as main product and water byproduct. Novel solid catalyst named Indion 180 used this process. The can be distilled out two ways namely sequential simultaneous distillation. In the process, first reaction is carried till equilibrium total reflux...

Biodiesel is a fuel made from vegetable oils, animal fats and microbial oil (algae, bacteria and fungi). The raw materials are converted to biodiesel through a chemical reaction involving alcohol and catalyst. The purpose of the present work is to present an efficient process using reactive distillation columns applied to biodiesel production. Reactive distillation is the simultaneous implement...

Effective parameters that can effect on the performance of the separation system consist of operating pressure, operating temperature, reflux ratio, and kind of produce desirable products and different sequences of splits. As take a separation system with optimal performance is dependent on optimization of above mentioned effective parameters. In generally, there are two criteria (as object fun...