Using process integration for separation of p-diethylbenzene

This paper relates to the separation of p-DiEthylBenzene (p-DEB) from a multicomponent mixture of aromatic hydrocarbons, containing 85% p-DEB, for obtaining a fraction with more than 96% p-DEB. Preliminary simulation of an existing column using the commercial simulation package HYSIM(TM) establishes many of the initial operating conditions, such as feed tray location, reflux ratio, tray for the side draw of p-DEB. In order to optimize the column, a systematic approach was used developed by the DPI, UMIST, and implemented using the COLOM(C) software. A data extraction interface was written (using the internal HYSIM(TM) programming language) to transfer data from the simulator to the COLOM(C) software. Using this method allows scoping of the p-DEB column modifications (reflux ratio modification, feed conditioning, side condensing/reboiling).