Breaking Azeotropes by Azeotropic and Extractive Distillation in a Dividing-Wall Column

Abstract

This study gives a brief overview about using dividing-wall column (DWC) technology in azeotropic and extractive distillation processes aimed to break azeotropes. The relevant case study considered here is the bioethanol dehydration process that requires significant energy to overcome the azeotropic behaviour of ethanol-water mixture. The results of the rigorous Aspen Plus simulations show that energy savings of 10– 20 % are possible for the novel process intensification alternative based on DWC, while using less equipment units as compared to the conventional azeotropic and extractive distillation configurations.