Complex Column Design by Application of Column Profile Map Techniques: Sharp-Split Petlyuk Column Design

Currently employed short-cut design techniques have a tendency to be configuration-specific. Few call be applied to complex distillation configurations. In this work, we will demonstrate, in detail, the use of column profile maps (CPMs) for the comprehensive analysis and design of complex distillation systems by applying the CPM technique to the design of the fully thermally Coupled (Petlyuk) distillation column at sharp-split conditions. It is shown that, for set product composition specifications and a set reflux ratio, only a small region of key parameters (vapor and liquid split ratios) result in feasible separations. These results-and, hence, the CPM design procedure-are validated by the work of Halvorsen in his 2001 Ph.D. thesis. It is also shown that the minimum reflux solution can be found using this methodology. The results are valid for all zeotropic separation syntheses.