Simulation of tetrahydrofuran-water mixture separation by extractive distillation
Systematic methods and tools for managing the complexity
Process Simulation and Optimization (T4-9P)
Keywords: extractive distillation, tetrahydrofuran, simulation
The aim of this work is to simulate and analyze an extractive distillation process for separation of tetrahydrofuran-water azeotropic mixture. The work was developed with Aspen Plus® and Aspen Split simulators. Calculation of the activity coefficients employed to describe vapor liquid equilibrium of Tetrahydrofuran – Water – Entrainer system were obtained by using the UNIQUAC equation. A methodology for study and select different candidate entrainers was implemented by using Aspen Split calculations. The dehydration process uses two columns: the main extractive column and the recovery column. The solvent to feed molar ratio, reflux molar ratio, feed stage, feed solvent stage, and feed solvent temperature, were determined to obtain a distillate with high purity of tetrahydrofuran. The results obtained show the main advantages and disadvantages between the entrainers studied on the separation and the energy consumption in the two columns.
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Presented Wednesday 19, 13:30 to 15:00, in session Process Simulation and Optimization (T4-9P).
