Application of diabatic extractive distillation schemes with preliminary separation of azeotropic components for separation of acetone-toluene-n-butanol mixture

Objectives. The study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the use of various options for organizing the process of diabatic distillation in the separation of a mixture of acetone-toluene-n-butanol by extractive distillation using dimethylformamide as an entrainer in a scheme with preliminary separation of azeotropic components.

Methods. As the main research method, mathematical modeling in the Aspen Plus V. 12 software package was used. As a model for describing vapor-liquid equilibrium, the local composition Non-Random Two Liquid equation model was used. Parametric optimization of diabatic schemes was carried out according to the criterion of reduced energy costs.

Results. Based on the scheme for extractive distillation of an acetone-toluene-n-butanol mixture with preliminary separation of azeotropic components, five options for organizing diabatic distillation schemes were considered, both with and without use of a compressor to reach a required flows temperature.

Conclusion. It is shown that the use of diabatic schemes in the extractive distillation of a acetone-toluene-n-butanol mixture with dimethylformamide makes it possible to diminish the reduced energy costs by 8.9-43.5%. Meanwhile the maximum reduction in energy consumption is achieved in a scheme where upper vapor flows of two other columns are used to heat the azeotropic components separating column.

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