In order to develop efficient separation processes which minimize energy consumption, we must improve the separation performance or each unit operation and optimize the process structure. From this viewpoint, the following two studies have been conducted:
(1)Optimal Design and operation of Complex Batch Distillation Column
A new type of batch distillation column called "complex batch distillation column" is proposed, and an optimal design method is developed. In the complex batch distillation column, feed is supplied to the middle of the column, and liquid on the feed tray is recycled to the feed tank. In this research, the conditions in which the complex column works effectively, as compared with the ordinary distillation column, are clarified. The simulations verified that for many cases the energy consumption of the complex column is less than or equal to that of continuous distillation columns with heat integration.
(2)Optimal Synthesis of a Separation System
In this study, we first develop an algorithm with which all theoretically feasible process sequences can be generated. As the number of feasible process sequences increases, reduction in computation time for finding the best process sequence becomes an important task. We propose an effective sequence generation algorithm that, by examining the effectiveness of sub-sequences, eliminates non-optimal permutations. We then apply the proposed synthesis method to silanes separation process.