Optimization of a secondary reflux and vaporization (SRV) distillation process using surface response analysis

SRV (Secondary Reflux Vaporization) distillation is based on heat exchange between the rectifying and stripping sections. This specific kind of distillation involves a large number of operating variables and details in design, and enormous computational efforts are traditionally necessary for its optimization. Factorial design and surface response analysis were used to optimize SRV extractive distillation in production of pure ethanol. Once such a distillation process is optimized, it involves substantially lower energy consumption than conventional ones. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.