Retrofit of Distillation Columns Using Thermodynamic Analysis

Abstract

Thermodynamic analysis provides the column grand composite curves and exergy loss profiles, which are becoming readily available for a converged distillation column simulation. For example, the Aspen Plus simulator performs the thermodynamic analysis through its Column–Targeting tool for rigorous column calculations. This study uses the column grand composite curves and the exergy loss profiles obtained from Aspen Plus to assess the performance of the existing distillation columns, and reduce the costs of operation by appropriate retrofits in a methanol plant. Effectiveness of the retrofits is also assessed by means of thermodynamics and economics. The methanol plant utilizes two distillation columns to purify the methanol in its separation Section. The first column operates with 51 stages, has a side heat stream to the last stage, a partial condenser at the top and a side condenser at stage 2, and no reboiler. The second column operates with 95 stages, has a side heat stream to stage 95, a total condenser, and high reflux ratio. Despite the heat integration of the columns with the other Sections and a side condenser in column 1, the assessment of converged base case simulations have indicated the need for more profitable operations, and the required retrofits are suggested. For the first column, the retrofits consisting of a feed preheating and a second side condenser at stage 4 have reduced the total exergy loss by 21.5%. For the second column, the retrofits of two side reboilers at stages 87 and 92 have reduced the total exergy loss by 41.3%. After the retrofits, the thermodynamic efficiency has increased to 55.4% from 50.6% for the first column, while it has increased to 6.7% from 4.0% for the second. The suggested retrofits have reduced the exergy losses and hence the cost of energy considerably, and proved to be more profitable despite the fixed capital costs of retrofits for the distillation columns of the methanol plant.     

Global minimization of total exergy loss of multicomponent distillation configurations

The operating cost of a multicomponent distillation system comprises two major aspects: the overall heat duty requirement and the temperature levels at which the heat duties are generated and rejected. The second aspect, often measured by the thermodynamic efficiency of the distillation system, can be quantified by its total exergy loss. In this article, we introduce a global optimization framework for determining the minimum total exergy loss required to distill any ideal or near-ideal multicomponent mixture using a sequence of columns. Desired configurations identified by this new framework tend to use milder-temperature reboilers and condensers and are thus attractive for applications such as heat pump assisted distillation. Through a case study of shale gas separations, we demonstrate the effectiveness of this framework and present various useful physical insights for designing energy efficient distillation systems.     

用非平衡热力学方法分析精馏塔板的能量行为

本文应用非平衡热力学的理论建立了旨在反映精馏塔板热量传递和质量传递的有效能衡算方程,并以此方程分析了某乙烯装置的乙烯精馏塔.对于具有多相的非连续体系,可以把每一个相作为一个子体系,各个子体系由相界面隔开,在一些合理的假设条件下,可得出与相际间热量和质量传递相关联的有效能损失方程如下:D=T_0[J_q△(1/T)-sum from k to n J_k·△(μ_k/T)]从而可以深入认识精馏过程中能量转化、传递的实质,并有针对性地改进过程.计算结果表明,所建方程和经典热力学有效能衡算有着很好的一致性,可用于精馏过程的热力学分析.     

Exergy analysis of desalination by solar-powered membrane distillation units

There has been an increasing interest in using exergy as a potential tool for analysis and performance evaluation of desalination processes where the optimal use of energy is considered an important issue. Unlike energy, exergy is consumed or destroyed due to irreversibilies in any real process and thus provides deeper insight into process analysis. Exergy analysis method was employed to evaluate the exergy efficiency of the “compact” and “large” solardriven MD desalination units. The exergy efficiency of the compact and large units with reference to the exergy collected by the solar collector was about 0.3% and 0.5% but was 0.01% and 0.05%, respectively, when referenced to the exergy of solar irradiance. The exergy efficiency of the flat plate solar collectors in both units varied diurnally and the maxima was 6.5% ad 3% for the compact and large units, respectively. The highest exergy destruction was found to occur within the membrane distillation module.     

最小有效能损耗的多组分精馏流程优化设计

提出了以有效能损耗最小为目标、同时又考虑热集成的多组分复杂精馏塔序列优化设计新策略。该复杂精馏塔模型:1股进料、2股出料,每块理论板上均可有中间冷凝器或再沸器。复杂精馏过程的设计步骤是:①根据过程有效能最小确定优化塔序列;②对每个塔优化设计出含中间换热器的复杂塔;③考虑多效且允许热集成的复杂精馏流程,以塔压为决策变量,以精馏过程有效能损耗最小为目标,建立并优化设计出一个热集成的复杂精馏流程。一个3组分精馏过程的例子表明所提策略简单有效,可用来指导多组分精馏过程的优化设计。     

Improvement potential analysis for integrated fractionating and heat exchange processes in delayed coking units

A novel diagram-based representation approach is developed to analyze the thermodynamic efficiency and identify quickly the promising energy-use improvement for integrated fractionating and heat exchange processes in delayed coking units. For considering temperature dependence of heat capacity and integrating fractionating and heat exchange processes, an advanced energy level composite curve is constructed by using the simulation results and a stepwise procedure. More accurate results of exergy analysis are obtained and the interaction between different components of the integrated system can be properly revealed in an integrated figure. Then the exergy calculation is performed to validate the performance of processes and to define the targets for improvement. The avoidable exergy destruction is also analyzed by applying the concepts of avoidable and unavoidable exergy destructions for the integrated system. In a case study for a Chinese refinery, the results reveal that the heat exchange between gas oil and deethanization gasoline is the most inefficient process with the highest retrofitting potential, and the lowest exergy efficiency of component in the integration system is only 29.4%. The improvement potential and exergy efficiency for the fractionator are 38.1% and 97.3%, respectively. It is obvious that the fractionator is not the most promising component for improvement.     

有效能分析法的应用研究进展

有效能分析法是建立在热力学第一、第二定律上的能量的"数"与"质"统一的分析方法。有效能分析法克服能量衡算法和熵分析法存在的缺陷,揭露外部有效能损失和内部不可逆因素(传热、燃烧、传质和流动等)引成的有效能损失,确定排出的物流有效能和能流有效能的可用性,以及由此造成的有效能损失,对过程和装置的热力完善程度和节能潜力进行正确分析和评价。有效能分析法的应用范围很广,从制氢工艺、发电厂、锅炉、生物质能生产、热交换器、发动机以及蒸馏过程的节能分析到环境和生态系统的评价,说明有效能分析法在节约能源、促进可持续发展过程中起着重要的作用。     

基于有效能分析的复杂精馏塔优化设计

提出了以有效能消耗最小为目标的复杂精馏塔优化设计新方法。给出了精馏塔优化设计模型及最佳进料位置、适宜理论板数NT、塔内换热器简约的确定方法,并以两组分正庚烷和乙苯的混合物为例进行设计与讨论。优化后的精馏塔含有中间换热器,与传统的简单塔有本质的区别,平衡线和操作线均处于相对平均的位置,更节能。     

Thermodynamic efficiency of membrane-assisted distillation processes

Membrane processes are considered as comparably mild separation processes offering the potential for significant energy savings compared with azeotropic distillation processes. Despite higher investment and material costs, they are of particular interest for improving the energy efficiency in the chemical industry. However, energy savings of more than 20%–30% are rarely reported and even a general superiority can be disputed. To further elucidate this controversial, the current study pursues a quantitative assessment of the thermodynamic efficiency of pervaporation and vapor permeation processes with stand-alone distillation and hybrid membrane-assisted distillation processes for the separation of azeotropic mixtures. The results confirm the case-dependent potential of distillation processes to outperform membrane-assisted separations in terms of energy efficiency, considering proper heat integration. Although energy efficiency is becoming significantly important, it should be considered in the context of economic performance to determine an optimal trade-off and to select the best process alternative during conceptual process design.     

基于(火用)损失分析的反应精馏塔板上反应体积的优化设计

针对以选择性为主要目标的反应精馏塔设计中反应段塔板上反应体积或催化剂的分配问题,提出一种基于热力学(火用)损失分析和流程模拟计算相结合的优化设计策略。为了深层次分析反应精馏塔板上(火用)损失的原因并为制定调优方向提供理论依据,将塔板上的总(火用)损失区分为物理(火用)损失和化学(火用)损失两部分并分别进行计算。在此基础上,将建立的(火用)损失计算方法和流程模拟技术相结合,将反应段塔板上的反应体积的分配和对应的(火用)损失分布相关联,以再沸器热负荷最小为目标,通过建立的方法对反应体积的分配逐步调优,可实现反应精馏塔的优化设计。方法的有效性通过环氧乙烷水合制乙二醇反应精馏体系进行了验证。结果表明,与普遍采用的塔板上等反应体积分配的设计方法相比,通过本文建立的优化分配方法,可使系统的能耗降低18%以上,同时结果优于文献值。     

三元制冷系统分析

乙烯装置产品分离过程需要在低温下进行,为此需配置压缩制冷系统为深冷分离提供冷量。三元压缩制冷由于能提供温位连续的制冷曲线,与工艺物流降温曲线更好地匹配,相比传统的复叠制冷具有热力学效率高、制冷能耗低的特点。为了分析三元压缩制冷的节能潜力,本文对某乙烯装置的三元制冷系统进行了(火用)分析。从(火用)总复合曲线(EGCC)图的分析可以得出该系统三元冷剂配置是比较合理的,(火用)损失较小。将该制冷系统划分为换热器、压缩机、节流阀、闪蒸罐等子系统,并分别计算了各子系统的(火用)损失。三元制冷系统的(火用)损失总计为24238.1kW,90%(火用)损失集中在换热器和压缩机两个子系统。然后将(火用)损失分为可避免的和不可避免的(火用)损失两类,其中不可避免的(火用)损失为13539.9kW,可避免的(火用)损失为10698.2kW,最后指出节能重点应该放在降低可避免的(火用)损失。     

恒热流工况下管内对流换热(火用)传递特性

从管内传热与流动的特点出发,基于热力学第一、第二定律和非平衡热力学理论,对壁面恒热流工况下,管内充分发展段对流换热的火用传递过程进行了研究,定义了对流换热传火用系数、火用流密度、传火用Nusselt数和对流换热火用传递方程,并导出相应的计算式;讨论了Reynolds数、量纲1热通量和不同截面位置等参数对对流换热火用传递过程的影响;最后将传火用和传热的结果进行了比较.     

高压聚乙烯反应器的火用分析与优化

通过对高压聚乙烯反应系统进行Yong计算与分析,结果表明,由传热不可逆造成的内部Yong损为主要的Yong损。一、二、三段反应器的内部Yong损各占其总Yong损的97.78%、98.87%、85.44%。并提出了相应的节能措施和优化方案。     

Process design methodology for energy‐efficient processes operating below and across ambient temperature

This article presents a targeting and design methodology that can be implemented for any process where pressure‐based exergy, also known as mechanical exergy, has an important contribution to the total exergy conversion and transfer. However, in this article it is applied to processes that operate at sub‐ambient conditions, or processes where the ambient conditions are crossed. Exergy efficiencies, new Exergetic Composite Curves, Cascades, and Extended Grid Diagrams are tools that had to be implemented, improved, or invented, to develop a methodology with considerable potential for energy‐efficient process design. The appropriate placement (correct integration) of compressors and expanders in heat exchanger networks is also analyzed to minimize the number of units. An example is used to demonstrate the methodology, where several simplifying assumptions are made to facilitate understanding and to explain the design method. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 2324–2340, 2016     

双效精馏分离不同浓度甲醇水溶液的节能分析

不同浓度的甲醇水溶液存在于诸多工业过程中,精馏分离甲醇和水时最主要考虑能耗问题。本文针对甲醇质量分数为10%~90%甲醇水溶液的分离过程,分别采用双塔顺流串联、双塔逆流串联和双塔并联的不同精馏模型,通过设计规定,以回流比和塔顶采出量为操纵变量,分别控制甲醇产品纯度大于99.85%（质量分数）,以及废水甲醇含量小于10^-5;以最小年度总费用（TAC）为优化目标,用灵敏度分析法优化塔板数及进料位置,并对比分析了各流程在最小TAC条件下的（火用）损失。结果表明,当原料甲醇质量分数在30%及以下时,TAC最小的是并联精馏;当原料甲醇浓度在50%及以上时,TAC最小的是逆流串联精馏。在各流程最小TAC情况下,原料甲醇质量分数在10%及以下时,有效能损失最小的是并联精馏;原料甲醇质量分数在30%及以上时,有效能损失最小的是逆流串联精馏。对于甲醇水溶液精馏分离的TAC和（火用）损失分析,可为工业中不同甲醇浓度下,甲醇水溶液的最佳双效精馏方案提供理论参考。     

Exergy as a tool for measuring process intensification in chemical engineering

Exergy is defined as the maximum shaft work that can be done in a process to bring the system into equilibrium with the environment. Thus, exergy analyses are the first step to understand where the weak points of processes are. It considers intrinsically the quality of energy: when energy loses its quality, exergy is destroyed. In addition, optimization of processes aiming at the minimization of exergy destruction can be done as a function of the topology and physical characteristics of the system, such as finite dimensions, shapes, materials, finite speeds, and finite‐time intervals of operation, establishing a direct relationship between exergy and process intensification. However, the emphasis on exergy in chemical engineering is still very poor compared with other fields, in spite of being one of the areas in which more exergy is destroyed due to reaction and separation . This paper gives an overview of the current application of exergy analyses in chemical engineering, showing the main fields in which exergy studies are performed and focusing the attention on two critical points of action: separation technologies (distillation and membrane technology) and CO₂ capture. New research trends in chemical engineering using exergy as a tool for process intensification are highlighted. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

火用的计算及应用

系统阐述了火用和火用计算的基本概念以及应用状态方程法（PR）进行火用计算的步骤和若干相关的技术细节，以“真空”为例对火用理论中较模糊的概念由低压造成的“负火用”作出理论和计算分析，认为它同低温火用一样，也是一种宝贵的火用源。运用“三环节”能流论的概念，对精馏塔的用火用过程拆分为塔体用火用和换热器用火用分析，得出了不同情况下精馏塔节能工作的着眼点需有所区别的结论；此外还对换热单元流程进行了细致的介绍，指出了换热设备的优化除了重视降低热火用损耗外，还需注意调节压火用的损耗以期达到进一步节能降耗的目的。     

电磁流体中火用的传递和转换特性

审视了多组分黏性电磁流体（包含热传输、对流、电磁能传输、质量传输和化学反应过程）的动量传递方程、质量传递方程、能量传递方程，重新构建了电磁流体的熵传递方程。通过定义热火用、压火用、化学火用、动能火用、势能火用、电磁火用，重新构建了不同形式火用传递的分量方程及其总火用传递方程。通过分解这些传递方程，揭示了不同形式火用之间可逆与不可逆的传递和转换关系，为理解不可逆传递过程的机制、正确计算不可逆性的火用损及其改善电磁流体传递过程的性能和用能效率提供了有效的途径。     

机械蒸汽再压缩硫酸铵废水处理系统的分析

为全面反应机械蒸汽再压缩硫酸铵废水处理系统的用能情况,提高系统的效率,采用以热力学第二定律为基础的分析方法,对系统进行了分析。将硫酸铵废水视为实际溶液,建立了实际物流的分析模型,运用工厂实测数据对系统进行了分析计算,研究了参量:压缩比、蒸发温度和一效排出浓度对系统效率的影响并根据测算结果提出了改进建议。分析结果表明,该系统总的效率约为12.04%;各设备分析表明,换热器及压缩机是主要的损失部位,二者的损失约占总数的79.5%;参量分析表明,系统的效率随着压缩比的增大而减小,随着蒸发温度的升高而增大,在其他条件允许的情况下,应尽量采用压缩比小的压缩机和维持高的蒸发温度;在文中条件下,当一效排出质量分数为32%时系统的效率最大,应尽可能地维持在该质量分数下排料;消除进入加热器蒸汽的过热可以提高系统的效率。     

板式换热器及其热力系统的运行特性和高级分析

针对不同换热设备组合之间以及换热设备在系统中的分布情况进行了研究,建立了高级分析模型,将换热设备与系统的损进一步分割成不可避免性部分和可避免性部分,计算相应的损失和效率,确定换热设备与系统中能量损失的主要部位,并在有机朗肯循环（organic Rankine cycle,ORC）系统试验台中进行验证,为换热设备及其热力系统的运行优化提供科学依据。结果表明,不同的换热面积对换热设备的能效有着非常大的影响,同时常规分析和高级分析提出了不同的系统优化次序。高级分析表明,蒸发器可避免损占蒸发器损的41.2%～60.0%,冷凝器可避免损占冷凝器总损最高可达91%～97%,整个ORC系统有52.5%～66.3%的损可以避免,有很大的改造潜力,且发现不合理设计的管道也会影响ORC系统性能。