Abstract:

Full process simulation and critical parameter optimization were performed on sulfolane extractive distillation (ED), based on sulfolane/arene phase equilibrium data and NRTL-RK thermodynamic method. With consideration of multiple variables and their interactions, a coordinative optimization strategy was further proposed from iterative optimization of local coupling parameters. In order to improve modeling accuracy, missing parameters in NRTL-RK database were augmented through literature data regression and Aspen Plus property estimation. At given separation specifications, energy consumption and separation efficiency were simulated through adjusting critical operating parameters. The results show that when extractive distillation column (EDC) and solvent recovery column (SRC) were operated at pressure of 0.17 MPa and 0.05 MPa, respectively, the optimum EDC operating conditions were lean solvent temperature at 100℃ and feed location of saturated crude vapor at 50^th stage whereas the optimum SRC operating conditions were reflux ratio at 0.33, feed location at 6^th stage, and stripping water load at 2853 kg·h^-1. After optimization, energy saving is significant with minimum heat consumption reduced from 1.158 GJ·t^-1 to 0.802 GJ·t^-1.

Key words: extractive distillation, thermodynamics, arene, computer simulation, process systems, optimization

摘要：

以环丁砜-烃类相平衡数据和NRTL-RK热力学方法为基础，对环丁砜萃取精馏过程进行了全流程模拟和工艺操作参数优化。综合考虑各个操作变量及其关联，提出了基于局部耦合参数迭代优化的整体协同优化的策略。通过文献数据回归和Aspen Plus物性估算系统相结合，补充修正了缺失的模型参数，并以此模拟分析了各关键操作参数对环丁砜萃取精馏过程能耗和分离效果的影响。结果表明：当萃取精馏塔操作压力为0.17 MPa，溶剂回收塔操作压力为0.05 MPa时，贫溶剂最佳温度为100℃，原料饱和气相进料的最佳进料位置为第50块塔板；溶剂回收塔最佳回流比为0.33；最佳进料位置为第6块塔板，汽提水量为2853 kg·h^-1。优化后，装置最小热公用工程由1.158 GJ·t^-1下降至0.802 GJ·t^-1，节能效果显著。

关键词: 萃取精馏, 热力学, 芳烃, 计算机模拟, 过程系统, 优化