MODELING AND DESIGN METHOD FOR INTERNAL HEAT-INTEGRATED PACKED DISTILLATION COLUMN

A mathematic model for an internal heat-integrated packed distillation column (IHIPAC) is developed on the basis of interphase mass transfer theory. A new method for design of an IHIPAC is proposed using the newly developed model. The binary system of methanol-water is adopted for the simulation work. The results show that an IHIPAC can be operated at a reflux ratio smaller than the minimum reflux ratio of a conventional distillation column, and that an energy saving of approximate 30% can be achieved under various operating conditions.