Optimization of Dividing Wall Column with Heat Transfer Process Across the Wall for Feed Properties Variation

This paper investigates the thermal-coupled effect across the wall and the optimal heat transfer region of the wall for enhancing the energy saving effect of dividing wall column (DWC), and also studies the effects of feed thermal condition (q) and middle component composition of feed (c(B)) on the heat transfer process, the optimal heat transfer region, and the maximum heat transfer quantity across the wall. The simulation results show that the maximum heat transfer quantity across the wall and the potential for energy saving increase with the increase of q, while with the limitation of temperature difference across the wall, the beneficial heat transfer effect between certain range of stages, which are involved in the optimal heat transfer region, cannot be realized completely for a specific value of q. Besides, compared with q, a changing c(B) does not change the degree of realizing the beneficial heat transfer effect, but can bring about the variation of liquid split ratio (R-L) and vapor split ratio (R-v). Thus, for achieving a maximum energy-saving effect of DWC, different q and c(B) need to find its own corresponding suitable heat transfer process across the wall.