1 Significance A method is proposed that either returns all solutions to steady-state models of distillation columns or proves infeasibility. No initial estimates are required. The computational effort grows linearly with the number of stages. Successful solution of a numerically challenging reactive distillation column with 7 steady-states show the robustness of the method. The authors do not ...

The minimum energy requirements of six different heat-integrated multieffect and three nonintegrated distillation arrangements for separating a ternary mixture have been considered. The focus is on a heat-integrated complex distillation configuration, called a multieffect prefractionator arrangement. The comparison of the different arrangements is based on the minimum vapor flow rates at infini...

This paper presents a modern modeling approach for reactive distillation processes with potential phase splitting. It is based on a classical model (pseudo-homogeneous) in connection with a robust and reliable phase splitting algorithm (through homotopy-continuation method), performed at each simulation step. Model validation stage and a simple case-study (by applying the new approach to a reac...

A systematic control structure design method is applied on the concentric heatintegrated distillation column (HIDiC) separating benzene and toluene. A degrees of freedom analysis is provided for identifying potential manipulated and controlled variables. Optimal operation is mapped and active constraints are identified for constructing the supervisory control layer. The fundamental problem of o...

This paper presents a new approach to the conceptual design of internally heatintegrated distillation columns (i-HIDiC), based on column temperature profiles analysis. The paper proposes tools to assess the thermal feasibility of i-HIDiC designs and to determine whether the design and operation are feasible from the hydraulics’ point of view.

A new approach for start-up of empty cold reactive distillation columns by means of feedback control strategies is presented. In this paper, the discontinuous stage of startup is taken into account. This stage begins with the fill-up and heating process of the empty cold column and ends if vapour reaches the condenser. A corresponding model for the start-up process is developed. The control str...

A systematic control structure design method is applied on the concentric heatintegrated distillation column (HIDiC) separating benzene and toluene. A degrees of freedom analysis is provided for identifying potential manipulated and controlled variables. Optimal operation is mapped and active constraints are identified for constructing the supervisory control layer. The fundamental problem of o...

New intensified schemes have been recently proposed as an attempt to reduce energy requirements and equipment costs in reaction−separation processes. A design methodology for thermally coupled reactive distillation systems is proposed in this work. To design the columns, a method based on the Fenske−Underwood−Gilliland (FUG) equations is proposed and tested. The FUG equations, the mass and ener...

Traditionally polyester production is done in a batch reactor equipped with a separation column for batch distillation. A promising alternative for the intensification of this process is reactive distillation. In this paper, a reactive distillation model is developed for the synthesis of an unsaturated polyester process. The simulation results are compared with the industrial batch reactor outp...