Integrated Process Module for Distillation Processes Based on Self-Heat Recuperation Technology

In this paper, an integrated energy-saving process module based on self-heat recuperation for distillation processes is proposed; the energy saving in this module occurs via heat circulation. The proposed integrated process module consists of a heat circulation module and a distillation module in which the heating and cooling loads are balanced by exergy analysis. The self-heat recuperation technology proposed in our previous studies is adopted, and thus, the heat of condensation and the cooling heat are recuperated by compressors and exchanged with the heat of vaporization and the heating heat by employing heat exchangers in both the heat circulation and distillation modules. The proposed technology helps to achieve a drastic energy saving of more than 80% in comparison with a benchmark process involving the use of an external heat source and a reboiler for heating. This shows that the proposed modularity of the heat circulation based on heat recuperation for a distillation process is a very promising feature for drastically reducing the energy consumption for distillation.