Chemical Engineering and Processing 48 (2009) 907–920

Contents lists available at ScienceDirect

Chemical Engineering and Processing:

Process Intensification
journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/cep

A method for systematic synthesis of multicomponent distillation systems with

less than N-1 columns
Massimiliano Errico a , Ben-Guang Rong b,c,∗ , Giuseppe Tola a , Ilkka Turunen b
a
Dipartimento di Ingegneria Chimica e Materiali, Università degli Studi di Cagliari, P.zza D’Armi s.n., 09123 Cagliari, Italy
b
Department of Chemical Technology, Lappeenranta University of Technology, P.O. Box 20, FIN-53851 Lappeenranta, Finland
c
Institute of Chemical Engineering, Biotechnology and Environmental Technology, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5230 Odense M, Denmark

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: For an N-component separation, distillation systems with less than N-1 columns have the potential to
Received 26 May 2008 save both energy and capital costs compared to the conventional simple column configurations where N-1
Received in revised form 20 October 2008 columns are employed. Recently, for four-component separations, Kim and Wankat [J.K. Kim, P.C. Wankat,
Accepted 15 December 2008
Quaternary distillation systems with less than N-1 columns, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 43 (2004) 3838–3846]
Available online 25 December 2008
analyzed a few distillation systems with less than N-1 columns and presented tentative heuristics for
selecting the best configuration among those studied.
Keywords:
In this paper, a method for the systematic synthesis of all the distillation systems with less than N-
Multicomponent distillation
Energy saving
1 columns is presented. Starting from the simple column configurations for the separation of an N-
Distillation sequences component mixture, a four-step procedure is formulated which systematically generates all the possible
Process synthesis distillation systems with less than N-1 columns. First, the subspace of the possible thermally coupled
configurations corresponding to the simple column configurations is generated. Then, the subspace of the
possible thermodynamically equivalent structures corresponding to the thermally coupled configurations
is produced. Finally, the subspace of the distillation systems with less than N-1 columns corresponding
to the thermodynamically equivalent structures is achieved. The method is simple, easy-to-use and can
systematically synthesize all the possible distillation systems with less than N-1 columns. It is shown that
a large number of such distillation systems with less than N-1 columns have been achieved for the first
time. This constitutes a complete new subspace. A case study shows the advantages of such distillation
systems with less than N-1 columns over the other schemes. The significance to formulate a complete
subspace of such systems is that, on the one hand, it can be used to further develop more reliable heuristics
by simulations. On the other hand, an optimization framework can be formulated to screen the possible
optimal system for a specific application.
© 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction
Distillation is one of the most studied and utilized separation
methods in the industrial practice. Between the end of the 1940s
and the beginning of 1950s the principal research area was the
development of methodologies to give a good physical description
of the process [1,2]. After that, in the 1970s, most of the research
work was focused on the study of different possible arrangements to
separate an N-component mixture using simple columns [3], thus
columns with one feed, a distillate and a bottom product with asso-
ciated respectively one condenser and one reboiler. For the separa-
tion of an N-component mixture into N pure products, as the num-
ber of components increases, the number of possible simple column
∗ Corresponding author. Tel.: +45 27509036; fax: +45 65507354.
E-mail address: BGR@kbm.sdu.dk (B.-G. Rong).
configurations sharply increases. This was one of the main reasons
that urge the researchers’ work in searching general rules (heuris-
tics) able to make a preliminary screening in order to select a lower
number of alternatives to be analyzed. The selected configurations
can be subsequently analyzed with a rigorous method to find the
best sequence in terms of energy requirement [4,5]. Anyway heuris-
tic rules are based on practical considerations from different plant
experiences or from the generalization of the results of a large set
of process design simulations studies, so their indications are not
completely always valid and can lead to not optimal solutions [6].
The problem of the analysis of all the possible separation
sequences became more complex when some researchers, with
the aim to reduce the energy consumption of distillation plants,
started to propose again the application of the divided wall col-
umn patented by Wright in 1949 [7]. This new type of configuration
extends the searching space also to the thermally coupled distilla-
tion sequences. Because the reduction of the energy consumption

0255-2701/$ – see front matter © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.cep.2008.12.005
908 M. Errico et al. / Chemical Engineering and Processing 48 (2009) 907–920

is a problem of increasing importance, it is important to add knowl-

edge about the design and the operability of these new distillation
structures. The introduction of one or more thermal couplings
in a distillation sequence, by removing condensers and/or reboil-
ers associated to submixtures (non-product streams), extends the
research space for the most energy saving configuration. The way
to obtain a complete space of research is at the moment a topic
of discussion and many authors try to identify new configurations
never predicted before. To this regard, different approaches are pro-
posed in the literature. Caballero and Grossmann [8,9] developed a
superstructure for the generation of the possible configurations for
the separation of an N-component mixture obtained with the state
task network formalism. The search of the separation sequences
with the best energy performance is obtained modelling the super-
structure with a generalized disjunctive programming that is able
to solve the task independently from the used model (short-cut or
rigorous). Agrawal [10] presented a method to generate the space of
the possible configurations using the concept of distinct thermally
coupled configuration for sequences with N-1 columns. Rong et al.
[11] showed how, using the concept of intended individual split, it is
possible to identify the research space for the most energy conser-
vative sequence. Moreover, some new configurations for quaternary
Fig. 1. A four-step procedure for the generation of the intensified structures.
distillation were added with respect to the searching space found
by Sargent and Gaminibandara [12] and Agrawal [13]. This brief
review indicated that in order to obtain the optimal solution, the
first and most important step is to predefine the alternatives space splits and nonazeotropic multicomponent mixtures are consid-
as complete as possible. ered.
Another important topic regarding the method utilized to obtain In the following, the synthesis method is introduced step-
the searching space, is the importance to maintain the information by-step, and the synthesis of the complete new subspace for
about the generation from one configuration to another. In this way four-component mixture is presented as an example.
each simple column can be considered as a root for the consequent
sequences generated with a systematic method. This is realized in 2.1. Step 1: The simple column configurations
the presented work developing a method for the systematic gener-
ation of sequences with less than N-1 distillation columns that we The procedure starts by drawing all the possible simple column
called Intensified Sequences. In fact, following the Process Intensifi- configurations. It is known that for an N-component separation the
cation principles these configurations contain less column sections number of simple column sequences (Sn ) can be predicted with Eq.
and less heat exchangers than the sequence from which they are (1) developed by Thompson and King [3]:
derived. This subspace has not been explored in a complete way so [2(N − 1)]!
far, and it is known that the separation of an N-component mixture Sn = (1)
N!(N − 1)!
into N products requires to employ at least N-1 columns; never-
Fig. 2 presents the five simple column configurations for four-
theless it was already proved that in some particular cases of feed
component mixtures.
composition, required product purity or relative volatility of com-
ponents, the configurations with less than N-1 columns can reduce
2.2. Step 2: The thermally coupled configurations
the energy consumption and the capital cost for a given separation
task [14,15].
In each simple sequence, 2(N-1) heat exchangers are employed,
The usefulness of the presented method is not only in adding
N heat exchangers are associated with the N products while N-
more configurations in the searching space, but also as men-
2 are associated with the submixtures of 2 or more components.
tioned before, the saving of the connection between the different
When only sharp splits are considered, 2(N-1) columns sections
configurations subspaces. This aspect allows to examine only
are needed [17]. The total number of thermally coupled schemes
the Intensified Sequences derived from the best simple column
(Pn ) can be calculated from the following formula developed for
sequence.
N ≥ 3 [18]:
⎡ ⎤
2. Synthesis methodology
[2(N − 1)]! 
N−3
(N − 2)!
Pn = ⎣ + 1⎦ (2)
The systematic method for the synthesis of the intensified struc- N!(N − 1)! j!(N − 2 − j)!
j=1
tures is presented in Fig. 1. To describe the methodology, it is
necessary to make a brief review of the single steps necessary to Each thermally coupled configuration can be obtained from the cor-
obtain this family of configurations. The general procedure starts responding simple column sequence by substituting one or more
from the simple columns sequences, from which the thermally cou- condenser/s and/or reboiler/s associated to no product streams
pled configurations are generated. Then the thermodynamically with a bidirectional vapour–liquid connection. For sequences with
equivalent structures are generated. All the configurations with more then one submixture it is possible to eliminate the corre-
less than N-1 columns can be finally obtained by substituting a sponding heat exchangers one at a time or all together. In the
single side column section with a vapour or a liquid withdraw- former case, a subspace of thermally coupled sequences is obtained
ing. In the following, a column section is defined according to with particular advantages in the energy saving and control perfor-
Hohmann et al. [16] as a portion of column that is not inter- mance, compared to the latter case where all the heat exchangers
rupted by entering or exiting streams or heat flows. Only sharp associated to submixtures are substituted with thermal couplings
 M. Errico et al. / Chemical Engineering and Processing 48 (2009) 907–920
Fig. 2. Simple column configurations for a four-component mixture.
[18]. Fig. 3 presents all of the thermally coupled configurations gen-
erated from the simple column configurations shown in Fig. 2. In
total, 15 thermally coupled configurations are generated.
2.3. Step 3: The thermodynamically equivalent configurations
From the thermally coupled configurations, the thermodynam-
ically equivalent ones can be generated through moving a column
section associated to a condenser and/or a reboiler that provides
the common reflux flow rate or the vapour boil up between two
consecutive columns. Following this procedure, the elimination of
a condenser or a reboiler associated with a submixture from a sim-
ple column in a distillation sequence, makes the rectifying or the
stripping section of the subsequent column movable. For this reason
the number of movable sections is equal to the number of thermal
couplings in the considered sequence [19]. A configuration in this
subspace has the same energy requirement as the corresponding
thermally coupled structure. Nevertheless, the capital cost saving
can be achieved by a better liquid and vapour flow rate redistri-
909
bution between the sections. Moreover, a better controllability of
the system can be obtained [20]. For an n-component mixture,
the number of thermodynamically equivalent structures (TES) of
a given sequence can be predicted utilizing the following formula
developed by Rong et al. [19]:
TES = 2NTC (3)
where NTC is the number of thermal couplings. At the beginning,
the subspace of thermodynamically equivalent structures is usually
not explored when the best saving structure is searched, because
as said before, the energy requirement of these structures is the
same of the thermally coupled configurations from which they are
derived [10]. However after a promising thermally coupled config-
uration is identified, only the corresponding thermodynamically
equivalent structures should be considered for a possible capi-
tal cost reduction. Fig. 4 presents all of the thermodynamically
equivalent structures generated from the thermally coupled config-
urations shown in Fig. 3. In total, 25 thermodynamically equivalent
structures are generated.
910 M. Errico et al. / Chemical Engineering and Processing 48 (2009) 907–920

Fig. 3. Thermally coupled distillation configurations for a four-component mixture.

 M. Errico et al. / Chemical Engineering and Processing 48 (2009) 907–920
Fig. 3. (Continued) .
2.4. Step 4: Generation of the intensified structures with less than
N-1 columns
Now, from the thermodynamically equivalent structures it is
possible to generate the new subspace of systems with less than N-1
columns. The methodology is simple and consists in the elimination
of the side columns having only one column section. Considering
the application to a four-component mixture, there are five simple
column configurations as shown in Fig. 2: the direct (d), the indirect
(i), the direct–indirect (di), the indirect–direct (id) and the symmet-
rical (s). Considering for example the direct sequence in part d of
Fig. 2, it is possible to generate the corresponding thermally coupled
sequences (Fig. 3: d1, d2, d3) and the thermodynamically equiva-
lent ones (Fig. 4: d1.1, d2.1, d3.1, d3.2, d3.3). Eliminating the single
rectifying section by means of a side stream, the systems with less
than N-1 columns are then produced as shown in Fig. 5 d1.1.1, d2.1.1,
d3.1.1, d3.2.1, d3.3.1, d3.3.2, d3.3.3. It is clearly demonstrated the
connection between the subspace with less than N-1 columns and
the corresponding simple column sequences. For a given thermo-
dynamically equivalent structure in Fig. 4, the number of intensified
structures (NIS) can be predicted by the following formula:
NIS = 2NS − 1
where NS is the number of single-section columns in the thermo-
dynamically equivalent structure. Fig. 5 presents all of the systems
with less than N-1 columns generated from the thermodynamically
911
equivalent structures shown in Fig. 4. In total, 31 systems with less
than N-1 columns are generated.
3. Discussions
One interesting point is to determine the physical phase of the
side drawn streams. Luyben [21] introduced a general rule to deter-
mine the vapour or liquid phase of the side-draw streams. He
indicated that if the lightest component is present in small amount
it is convenient to take the middle product as a liquid stream in
the rectifying section(above the feed), because the middle com-
ponent is more concentrated in the liquid flow compared to the
lightest one that is more concentrated in the vapour flow. The same
kind of consideration can be made for the stripping section, where
the heaviest component is rich in the liquid phase and it was indi-
cated to take the middle product from the vapour flow(below the
feed).
In this work, a new way to determine the vapour or liquid phase
for the withdrawn side streams is observed. Because in the pro-
posed generation method, the side stream always substitutes a
thermal coupling, its phase state is physically defined by the state
of the stream connecting the side column with the column from
(4) which it is withdrawn. Thus the side stream will be a vapour phase
if substitutes a single rectifying section or will be a liquid phase if
substitutes a single stripping section. In the new subspace of the
systems in Fig. 5, the liquid and vapour side streams are withdrawn
above and below the column feed locations respectively, which are
912 M. Errico et al. / Chemical Engineering and Processing 48 (2009) 907–920

Fig. 4. Thermodynamically equivalent configurations for a four-component mixture.

M. Errico et al. / Chemical Engineering and Processing 48 (2009) 907–920 913

Fig. 4. (Continued) .
914 M. Errico et al. / Chemical Engineering and Processing 48 (2009) 907–920

Fig. 4. (Continued) .
 M. Errico et al. / Chemical Engineering and Processing 48 (2009) 907–920 915

Fig. 4. (Continued) .

Table 1 • Group 3. Configurations with only one column (Fig. 5 d3.3.3, i3.3.3,
Feed conditions.
s3.3.3).
Component Molar fraction [%] Physical characteristic

A, n-butane 30 Temperature [K]
B, n-pentane 40 Vapour fraction
C, n-hexane 25
D, n-octane 5
consistent with results from the heuristics by Tedder and Rudd
[14].
Following the described procedure, the number of columns in
the final configuration is reduced by one or more compared to the
number of N-1 columns. In some cases, the number of heat exchang-
ers is also reduced by one or more compared to those of the partially
coupled configurations.
The method described is readily generalized to the separation
of any number of components. In the literature, some configura-
tions with less than N-1 columns were investigated for 3 and 4
components [21,22]. However, the whole subspace of possible con-
figurations has not been systematically identified for four or more
component mixtures.
3.1. Classification of the intensified structures
By analyzing all the configurations presented, it is possible to
classify the subspace in three main groups:
• Group 1. Configurations without thermal coupling (Fig. 5 d1.1.1,
d2.1.1, i1.1.1, i2.1.1, di1.1.1, di2.1.1, id1.1.1, id2.1.1, s1.1.1, s2.1.1).
• Group 2. Configurations with thermal coupling (Fig. 5 d3.1.1, d3.2.1,
d3.3.1, d3.3.2, i3.1.1, i3.2.1, i3.3.1, i3.3.2, di3.1.1, di3.2.1, di3.3.1,
id3.1.1, id3.2.1, id3.3.1, s3.1.1, s3.2.1, s3.3.1, s3.3.2).
334.55 It is seen that each configuration of the distillation systems with
0 less than N-1 columns in group 2 has one thermal coupling, which
makes them have one less heat exchanger than the configurations
in group 1 (except schemes in Figs. di3.1.1 and id3.1.1). A distinct
feature of each of the configurations in group 3 is that it has only
one column equipment.
3.2. Comparison with the previous work
It is interesting to review the literature work for systems
with less than N-1 columns in the context of the complete
subspace presented in this work. For instance, in the work
of Kim and Wankat [22], 11 configurations with less than N-
1 columns for four-component mixtures were analyzed. Some
tentative heuristics were summarized based on simulations for
different mixtures with different compositions. It is clear that
the analyzed 11 configurations are the cases in group one with-
out thermal coupling in the complete subspace with less than
N-1 columns in Fig. 5 (i.e. id1.1.1; i2.1.1; s1.1.1; di2.1.1; i1.1.1;
di1.1.1; s2.1.1; d2.1.1; id2.1.1; d1.1.1; s3.3.3 in Fig. 5). However,
two configurations in group three were missed (i.e. d3.3.3, i3.3.3
in Fig. 5). Moreover, the configurations of group two with ther-
mal couplings are not considered which are equal importance
as the studied 11 configurations when developing the general
heuristics.
Another significant issue is concerned with the saving of com-
putation expenses when developing heuristics for screening the
best system with less than N-1 columns among the possible alter-
natives. Usually as done in Kim and Wankat [22], for a given feed
mixture and composition, the simulations were first done for all

Table 2
Design and operational parameters of the simple column configurations.

Direct Indirect Indirect–direct Direct–indirect Symmetrical

C1 C2 C3 C1 C2 C3 C1 C2 C3 C1 C2 C3 C1 C2 C3

Nt 35 33 49 39 38 38 39 26 40 35 60 40 55 38 45
Nf 20 16 26 20 18 22 20 14 16 20 28 16 26 21 26
RR 2.00 1.41 0.50 0.14 0.70 1.50 0.14 1.90 1.37 2.00 0.26 1.34 0.73 1.48 0.45
D [m] 0.70 0.72 0.48 0.83 0.81 0.61 0.83 0.68 0.70 0.70 0.71 0.71 0.82 0.54 0.44
Qc [kW] 1428.90 2025.22 1933.17 1731.07 1496.32
Qr [kW] 1530.10 2126.25 2034.22 1832.63 1598.32
CC [$/year] 29706 37672 34173 50272 31959
916 M. Errico et al. / Chemical Engineering and Processing 48 (2009) 907–920

Fig. 5. Less than N-1 columns configurations for a four-component separation.

M. Errico et al. / Chemical Engineering and Processing 48 (2009) 907–920 917

Fig. 5. (Continued) .
918 M. Errico et al. / Chemical Engineering and Processing 48 (2009) 907–920

Fig. 5. (Continued) .

of the simple column configurations. Then, the simulations were
also done for all of the considered configurations with less than
N-1 column. By simulations for a number of feed cases and compo-
sitions, a valuable heuristics was obtained by comparing the best
new alternative with the best simple column configuration based
on total annual costs for each of the calculated cases. As pointed
out by Smith and Linnhoff [23] for integrated sequences and by
Rong and Kraslawski [17] for thermally coupled distillation sys-
tems, there is a correspondence between the best simple column
sequence and the structures derived from it. Thus the primary aim
of this work is to derive the complete subspace that until now has
not been thoroughly explored. On the other hand, the method saves
the correspondence between the different subspaces allowing the
designer to analyze only the configurations obtained from the best
simple column sequence. This will considerably reduce the compu-
tational efforts for the development of heuristics.
 M. Errico et al. / Chemical Engineering and Processing 48 (2009) 907–920 919

Table 3
Design and operational parameters for the thermally coupled configurations derived from the direct simple column sequence.

d1 d2 d3

C1 C2 C3 C1 C2 C3 C1 C2 C3

Nt 35 33 49 35 33 49 35 33 49
Nf 20 16 26 20 16 26 20 16 26
RR 1.69 1.41 0.36 2 1.38 0.72 1.74 1.06 2.45
D [m] 0.67 0.97 0.46 0.70 0.72 0.90 0.67 0.93 1.22
Qc [kW] 1355.11 1462.31 1651.03
Qr [kW] 1455.47 1563.35 1751.86
CC [$/year] 30561 34747 41356

3.3. A case study The best thermally coupled configuration derived from the
direct sequence is d1 in Fig. 3, anyway its performance is overcome
To have an impression on the synthesized complete subspace, by configuration d2.1.1 in Fig. 5, that with the same reboiler and
a four-component mixture of normal butane, pentane, hexane and condenser duty a 6% saving in the annualized capital cost is realized.
octane with the characteristics reported in Table 1 is considered. Configurations d1.1.1, d3.1.1, d3.3.1 and d3.3.3, where the prod-
This feed mixture is the same already considered by Kim and uct B is withdrawn as vapour phase below the feed location, are
Wankat [22] considering a required molar purity of 99% for the not reported since for this stream it was not possible to reach the
butane, pentane and octane and 98% for the hexane. In the present purity target. Compared with the best simple column sequence,
work, all the simulations were performed by Aspen Plus 13.0. The configuration d2.1.1 realizes a saving of 5% in both condenser and
initial design parameters for the simple column sequences like the reboiler total duties and a reduction of 3.3% in the annual capi-
number of theoretical stages, the feed location, the actual reflux tal cost. Another attractive configuration is the d3.3.2 that was not
ratio and the distillate flow rate were obtained from short cut calcu- included in the Kim and Wankat analysis [22]. This configuration
lations using the Winn-Underwood-Gilliland method implemented realizes a 2% reduction in both condenser and reboiler duties with
in the DSTWU Aspen model. A reflux ratio of 1.1 times the mini- approximately the same annual capital cost compared to the direct
mum reflux ratio was considered for all the columns. The pressure simple column sequence. Configuration d3.2.1 has a higher reboiler
of each column was fixed at 3 atm. Then rigorous simulations were duty and also a higher annual capital cost compared to the best sim-
performed using the stage by stage model RADFRAC, optimizing the ple column sequence. However, it should be noted that the obtained
initial parameters obtained from the simplified calculation and con- values are better than the worst SC case.
sidering a single sieve tray pressure drop of 0.1 psi [24]. In Table 2, The case study calculation clearly showed that the subspace of
the main design and operational parameters for all the possible sim- distillation systems with less than N-1 columns can be more advan-
ple column configurations, together with the heat duties and the tageous than the best simple column configuration in terms of both
annual capital costs are summarized. The installation cost formu- energy and capital cost savings. It also showed that it is impor-
las based on the Douglas’ correlations [25] are reported in Appendix tant to consider the whole subspace when developing the general
A. From Table 2 it can be noticed that the direct configuration has heuristics.
the less energy consumption and also the less annual capital cost.
For the intensified structures, the column design parameters (feed
4. Conclusion
stage, number of stages and withdrawal location) are derived from
the corresponding simple column configuration. Sensitivity analy-
In the literature, only a few distillation systems with less than
ses are performed with the simulator to optimize the configuration
N-1 columns were studied, from which the potential for savings
for the minimum energy consumption. In the configurations where
of both energy and capital costs than the simple column sequences
one or more thermal couplings are present the flowrate of the inter-
were indicated. Some tentative heuristics were also summarized by
connecting streams (liquid and/or vapour) are utilized as searching
simulations of a few such distillation systems. In order to develop
variables in an optimization procedure to achieve the minimum
comprehensive and reliable heuristics, and in order to find the
energy consumption [26]. The thermally coupled configurations
optimal configuration for a specific application, it is paramount
and the subspace containing the intensified structures obtained
important to predefine all of such distillation systems with less
from the best simple column sequence are considered in detail and
than N-1 columns. Moreover, a method is needed to synthesize and
the results are reported in Tables 3 and 4, respectively.
predefine all of such distillation systems systematically.
In this paper, a systematic method for the generation of the
Table 4
subspace of distillation systems with less than N-1 columns is
Design and operational parameters for the selected configurations of the subspace
with less than N-1 columns. presented. The method is composed of four steps and each one
generates a subspace with different alternatives. The method is
d2.1.1 d3.2.1 d3.3.2
easy-to-use and can systematically generate the complete subspace
C1 C2 C1 C2 C1 C2 of the systems with less than N-1 columns for an N-component
Nt 35 56 35 56 75 16 mixture. This subspace includes configurations with simple side
Nf 20 16 20 16 35 16 stream columns and also configurations with thermal couplings.
Ns – 33 – 33 51 – The establishment of the correspondence between the alternatives
RR 2.00 1.47 1.69 2.25 3.11 0.91
among the subspaces is of particular importance in the method. The
D [m] 0.70 0.85 0.67 1.18 1.14 0.60
Qc a [kW] 1170.13 1326.21 1218.35 benefit to save the information between the families of configura-
Qr [kW] 1458.50 1615.43 1504.83 tions can lead to a less number of the alternatives to be compared
CC [$/year] 28730 33639 29571 to find the optimum configuration. A case study for the separa-
a
The value includes also the duty necessary to condensate the vapour from the tion of a four-component mixture illustrated the cost reduction for
side-stream. the configurations in the new subspace. It is showed that for the
920 M. Errico et al. / Chemical Engineering and Processing 48 (2009) 907–920

considered feed case it is possible to conveniently perform a four- Nf feed location

component separation employing only two columns. Therefore, the Nt number of theoretical stages
derived complete subspace of the distillation systems with less than Ns side stream location
N-1 columns constitutes the group of new alternatives in searching Qc condenser duty [kW]
an optimal solution for a specific application. Qr reboiler duty [kW]
RR molar reflux ratio
Appendix A. Cost estimation Ud overall heat transfer coefficient [kJ m−2 h−1 ◦ C−1 ]
TLM logarithmic mean temperature difference
A.1. Distillation columns
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h tray stack height [m]
H column height [m]