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Task 1:
1. Brief History of Distillation:
The practice of distillation dates back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations like Egypt and
Mesopotamia bear the earliest evidence of distillation. Refining strategies were essentially
utilized for the creation of cocktails and scents. With the help of notable scientists and alchemists
like Geber, Avicenna, and Ramon Llull, distillation developed over time and spread to various
regions. The development of better distillation equipment, like the alembic still, in the 17th
century led to significant advancements in distillation methods.
Distillation is based on the idea that different components in a liquid mixture have different
volatility or vapor pressure. When the mixture is heated, the components that are more volatile
vaporize first. The components are then separated after these vapors are cooled and returned to
liquid form. Refining is broadly utilized in different ventures, including petrochemicals, oil
refining, drugs, food and refreshment, and compound creation. It is used for concentration,
purification, separation, and product recovery.
a. Straightforward Refining:
The most fundamental type of distillation, simple distillation is used to separate components
with very different boiling points. It is based on the idea that when a mixture is heated, the
part with the lowest boiling point first evaporates, leaving the part with the highest boiling
point behind. The fumes are then cooled and consolidated to get the isolated parts.
b. Fragmentary Refining:
When the components to be separated have boiling points that are closer to one another,
fractional distillation is used. For more effective separation, it makes use of a packed bed or
fractionating column that provides multiple equilibrium stages. As the fumes ascend through
the section, they come into contact with a rising fume fluid combination, permitting the parts
to more than once disintegrate and consolidate. This interaction makes balance conditions
and upgrades the partition of the parts in light of their various volatilities.
c. Distillation by Vacuum:
To lower the components' boiling points, vacuum distillation is performed at a lower
pressure, typically below atmospheric pressure. The components' boiling points decrease
when the pressure is decreased, preventing thermal degradation or decomposition. When
working with components that are sensitive to temperature or have a high boiling point, like
some petroleum fractions, vacuum distillation is often used.
d. Distillation by Steam:
When the components to be separated are immiscible with water but have sufficient vapor
pressure, steam distillation is used. The volatile components are brought into the mixture by
injecting steam into the mixture. The steam and fume blend is then consolidated, permitting
the partition of the ideal parts from the non-unpredictable or less unstable parts.
e. Azeotropic Refining:
When the components of a mixture combine to form an azeotrope, a mixture with a constant
boiling point, azeotropic distillation is used. The components cannot be separated using
standard distillation techniques in this instance. Azeotropic refining includes the expansion of
another part, known as an entrainer or azeotrope breaker, to change the overall
unpredictability of the blend. With one of the components, the entrainer creates a new
azeotrope, allowing the desired component to be separated.
f. Distillation by Extraction:
When separation is difficult because of the low relative volatility between the components,
extractive distillation is used. A third component, referred to as an extractive agent or
solvent, is added to the mixture. The solvent creates a separate liquid phase that changes the
components' relative volatility and makes it easier to separate them. Extractive refining is
usually utilized in cycles, for example, the detachment of close-bubbling isomers or the
refinement of azeotropic blends.
Distillation can be used in a variety of ways, each with its own set of advantages. The best
distillation method can be chosen based on the properties of the mixture and the separation goals
that are desired if the principles and characteristics of these methods are understood.
4. Overview of Distillation Process in Oil Refineries:
A crucial step in the refinement of crude oil is the distillation process in oil refineries, also
known as crude oil distillation or atmospheric distillation. Crude oil is separated into various
fractions based on their boiling points in this process. Here is a point by point clarification of the
refining system in petroleum treatment facilities:
o Preparation of the Feedstock: Unrefined petroleum is the essential feedstock for the
refining system. Prior to entering the refining unit, the raw petroleum goes through a
few pre-treatment moves toward eliminate contaminations and set it up for refining.
Heating, which raises the temperature of the crude oil to facilitate efficient separation,
and desalting, in which salt and water are removed, may be included in these
procedures.
o Vaporization and heating: After that, a furnace or heater is used to heat the pre-treated
crude oil to the desired temperature for vaporization. A distillation column, also
known as a fractionation tower or distillation tower, receives the heated crude oil at
its base.
o Column of Distillation: The distillation column is a tall, vertical vessel that makes it
easier to separate different parts of crude oil. In order to increase the contact between
the rising vapor and the descending liquid, it consists of several trays or packing
materials. There are a number of sections in the column, each of which operates at a
different temperature.
o Fractional Separation: Temperatures drop as the heated crude oil ascends through the
distillation column. The various parts in the unrefined petroleum, each with its own
limit range, begin to disintegrate at explicit places in the segment. While heavier
components like diesel, kerosene, and fuel oil remain in the liquid phase and
accumulate in the lower sections of the column, the lighter components, such as gases
and gasoline, vaporize there.
o Collection and Condensation: Cooler surfaces, like packing materials or trays, come
into contact with the vapors as they rise in the column. This makes the fumes
consolidate once again into fluid structure. The consolidated fluid, known as reflux,
streams down the section and gives cooling and fluid stream to upgrade detachment
effectiveness. The consolidated fluid is gathered at different levels in the section,
comparing to the various parts.
o Costly Product: The lightest and most unstable parts, like gases and light
hydrocarbons, are gathered at the highest point of the refining section as the above
item. This portion goes through additional handling to isolate explicit gases, like
methane, ethane, propane, and butane, which are utilized as fuel or as feedstocks for
different cycles.
o Products with a Side Draw and Intermediates: At various levels of the distillation
column, intermediate fractions with particular boiling ranges are collected as the
distillation process progresses. Gasoline, naphtha, kerosene, jet fuel, diesel, and heavy
fuel oil are all examples of these fractions. These portions are additionally handled in
other refining units to eliminate contaminations, work on quality, and meet item
details.
o Bottoms Item: The bottoms product, the heaviest and least volatile components, are
collected at the bottom of the distillation column. Bitumen and heavy fuel oil make
up this portion, which is also referred to as residue or atmospheric bottoms. In most
cases, the bottoms product is sent to additional processing units, like vacuum
distillation or coking, to get more valuable products.
o Integrating Energies: The refining system requires a lot of energy for warming the
raw petroleum and giving intensity to keep up with the necessary temperature profiles
in the refining section. Heat exchangers are used in the refinery to recover heat from
various streams in order to increase energy efficiency. The recovered heat is then
used to heat the crude oil or to heat other processes, which saves energy.
o Control and Enhancement: To guarantee product quality and efficient operation, the
distillation process is closely monitored and controlled. Measurements of
temperature, pressure, and flow rate are continuously monitored, and adjustments are
made to maintain desired product specifications and optimize separation. To get the
most out of the desired products and use the least amount of energy possible, cutting-
edge control methods and process optimization techniques are used.
For the production of various refined petroleum products, the distillation procedure in oil
refineries is an essential step. It makes it possible to separate and collect various fractions
with distinct boiling point ranges. These fractions are then further processed in other units
to produce chemicals and fuels of high quality. The refinery's overall profitability and
competitiveness are affected by the distillation process's efficiency and effectiveness.
5. Description and Role of Major Sub-Units:
In oil refineries, the distillation process has several major sub-units that are crucial to the
efficient separation and smooth operation of the process as a whole. Some of the most important
sub-units are described as well as their roles:
o Heat Exchangers: The distillation process is dependent on heat exchangers. They are
utilized to transfer heat energy between various process streams, thereby reducing
energy consumption and improving energy efficiency. In the refining unit, heat
exchangers are utilized to preheat the approaching raw petroleum utilizing the hot item
streams from the segment, subsequently decreasing the energy expected for warming.
They likewise help cool and consolidate the above fumes, giving a wellspring of reflux
to the segment.
o Condensers: By converting the vaporous overhead product from the distillation column
back into liquid, condensers are an essential part of the distillation process. They cool
the vapors, which makes them condense and makes it easier to separate the parts of the
product you want. Condensers assist with keeping up with the ideal temperature profiles
inside the refining segment, improve partition proficiency, and guarantee the assortment
of top notch fluid items.
o Reboilers: Reboilers are heat exchangers that supply intensity to the lower part of the
refining section, giving the important energy to disintegrate the heavier parts. They are
normally situated at the foundation of the section and use steam or hot oil as a warming
medium. By warming the fluid feed at the base, reboilers make the fume that ascents
through the segment, working with the partition of the various divisions in view of their
edges of boiling over.
o Drum for Flux: A vessel at the top of the distillation column is called the reflux drum. Its
essential capability is to isolate the consolidated fluid from the above fumes. The
consolidated fluid, known as reflux, is gotten back to the highest point of the section,
where it gives cooling and fluid stream to improve partition effectiveness. The reflux
drum contributes to the maintenance of the desired reflux ratio, which is necessary for
optimizing the column's component separation.
o Stripping Segment: The stripping segment, otherwise called the stripping zone or
stripping stage, is a piece of the refining section situated underneath the feed plate. Its
purpose is to improve separation efficiency by removing lighter and more volatile
components from the liquid phase. Prior to reaching the overhead product, components
can be further vaporized and separated in the stripping section, which operates at a
higher temperature and lower pressure.
o Plate or Pressing: Inside the distillation column, trays or packing materials are used to
increase the surface area and contact area between the rising vapors and the descending
liquid. They establish multiple equilibrium stages, facilitating a better separation of
volatile components. Packing materials can be structured or random, providing a large
interfacial area for effective mass transfer, while tray plates typically have holes or
bubble caps.
o Pump the Bottoms: The heavy liquid residue or bottoms product collected at the base of
the distillation column is pumped by the bottoms pump. It gives the bottom product the
pressure it needs to be sent to other processing units, like vacuum distillation or coking.
The siphon guarantees a consistent progression of the weighty buildup, taking into
consideration productive activity and resulting treatment of this part.
A well-functioning distillation unit in an oil refinery is made up of these subunits,
additional auxiliary equipment, and control systems. They assist with advancing partition
proficiency, keep up with item quality, and further develop energy effectiveness,
consequently adding to the general productivity and outcome of the treatment facility.
Computer programs are widely used in the design of distillation unit operations to facilitate
accurate calculations, modeling, and optimization. These programs provide engineers with
powerful tools to design, simulate, and analyze various aspects of the distillation process. Here is
a brief introduction to some commonly used computer programs for distillation design:
o Aspen Plus: Aspen Plus is a comprehensive process simulation software widely used in
the chemical and petroleum industries. It allows engineers to model and simulate
distillation columns, including both steady-state and dynamic simulations. Aspen Plus
provides a user-friendly interface and a wide range of thermodynamic models and
property databases for accurate calculations. It enables engineers to optimize column
design, analyze process conditions, and predict the performance of the distillation
process.
o HYSYS: HYSYS, developed by AspenTech, is another widely used process simulation
software. It offers similar capabilities to Aspen Plus, allowing engineers to model,
simulate, and optimize distillation processes. HYSYS provides a variety of unit operation
models, including distillation columns, trays, and packing. It offers advanced
thermodynamic models, rigorous calculation methods, and customizable workflows to
design and analyze distillation systems.
o PRO/II: PRO/II, developed by Schneider Electric, is a process simulation software that
includes modules for distillation design and analysis. It offers a range of modeling
options for tray columns, packed columns, and column internals. PRO/II allows engineers
to simulate steady-state and dynamic behavior, perform rigorous calculations, and
optimize process conditions. It also provides advanced thermodynamic models and
features for comprehensive distillation system design.
o ChemCAD: ChemCAD is a widely used process simulation software that offers a suite of
tools for distillation design and analysis. It provides a user-friendly interface,
thermodynamic models, and calculation capabilities for various distillation column
configurations. ChemCAD allows engineers to model tray columns, packed columns, and
column internals, and simulate both steady-state and dynamic behavior. It also offers
optimization features and integration with other process design tools.
o MATLAB: MATLAB is a powerful numerical computing software used in various
engineering applications, including distillation design. It provides a flexible and
customizable environment for developing mathematical models, conducting simulations,
and performing optimization. Engineers can use MATLAB to develop their own
algorithms, perform sensitivity analyses, and solve complex distillation problems.
MATLAB's extensive library of functions and toolboxes makes it a versatile tool for
distillation process design and analysis.
These computer programs offer engineers the capability to design, simulate, and optimize
distillation processes with greater accuracy and efficiency. They provide comprehensive
modeling, calculation, and analysis tools that aid in the understanding and improvement of
distillation operations. By utilizing these programs, engineers can reduce design iterations,
optimize process conditions, and enhance the overall performance of distillation unit operations.
B. Task 2:
To perform a material and energy balance for the crude oil distillation process, we'll need to
analyze each unit operation and determine the mass and energy flows. Let's go through each unit
operation mentioned in the figure and calculate the required information:
Outlet Temperature: 180°F We don't have information about the specific heat or flow rate
of the overhead stream from Tower II at 250°F. Without this data, we can't calculate the
heat transfer in this unit operation.
6. Tower II:
Overhead Outlet Temperature: 120°F We don't have information about the flow rate or
specific heat of the overhead stream from Tower II. Without this data, we can't calculate
the heat transfer in this unit operation.
7. Heat Exchanger III (H3): Q = 1,000,000 lb/day * 0.51 Btu/(lb)(°F) * (90°F - 140°F) = -
25,500,000 Btu/day (negative value indicates heat removal)
To calculate the total heat load supplied by the furnace, we sum up the heat transfers in the units
for which we have information:
Total Heat Load = Q(Charge Oil Preheater) + Q(H0) + Q(H3) = 79,100,000 Btu/day +
116,200,000 Btu/day - 25,500,000 Btu/day = 169,800,000 Btu/day
To convert this to British thermal units per hour, we divide by 24 (assuming 24 hours in a day):
Therefore, the heat load that has to be supplied by the furnace is approximately 7,075,000 British
thermal units per hour.
c) To determine the additional heat that would have to be supplied by the furnace if the charge
oil were not preheated to 200°F before it entered the furnace, we can compare the heat load with
and without preheating.
Without Preheating: In this case, we assume the charge oil enters the furnace at the initial
temperature of 70°F.
Additional Heat Load = Heat Load with Preheating - Heat Load without Preheating
Assuming the heat load with preheating is 7,075,000 Btu/hour (calculated in part b), and the heat
load without preheating is 0 Btu/hour (as there is no preheating), we can calculate the additional
heat load:
Therefore, if the charge oil were not preheated to 200°F before entering the furnace, an
additional heat load of approximately 7,075,000 British thermal units per hour would be required
to reach the desired temperature for further processing.
d) To discuss whether the calculated temperatures of the streams going into storage from the heat
exchangers seem reasonable, we need to examine the temperature values and consider the
context of the distillation process. Let's analyze the temperatures of the streams going into
storage from the heat exchangers:
It's important to note that the heat exchangers are used to transfer heat between different process
streams. They are designed to achieve specific temperature changes based on the heat transfer
requirements and process conditions. The temperature values alone do not provide sufficient
information to evaluate their reasonability.
Heat Exchanger I (H0): The outlet temperature of 260°F is higher than the inlet
temperature of 70°F, indicating that heat is being transferred from a hotter stream to a
colder stream. This suggests that H0 is functioning as a preheater, raising the temperature
of the incoming stream before it enters the next unit operation.
Heat Exchanger III (H3): The outlet temperature of 90°F is lower than the inlet
temperature of 140°F, indicating that heat is being removed from the stream. This
suggests that H3 is functioning as a cooler, reducing the temperature of the stream before
it goes into storage.
In the context of a distillation process, it is reasonable to have heat exchangers that perform
heating or cooling operations to optimize the separation and processing of different fractions.
The specific temperature values may vary depending on the design, objectives, and operating
conditions of the distillation system.
Task 3:
Petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and many other industries use distillation
as a common separation method. Site selection, process design, equipment selection, operation,
economics, environmental, and safety considerations are just a few of the fundamental aspects
that must be taken into account when designing a distillation process. We should investigate
every one of these viewpoints exhaustively:
1. Choosing a Location: The process of selecting the best location for the distillation facility's
construction and operation is known as "site selection." A few elements should be considered
during site choice:
Transportation and accessibility: Roads, railways, ports, or airports should all be easily
accessible from the location. This lowers logistics costs and makes it easier to move raw
materials and finished goods.
Availability of Raw Materials: It is essential to be close to sources of feedstock or raw
materials to ensure a dependable supply chain and reduce transportation costs.
Services and Facilities: For the distillation process, it is necessary to have access to
utilities like water, electricity, steam, and other supporting infrastructure. The
infrastructure and utility connections at the site ought to be dependable.
Considerations for the Environment: The distillation process's potential effects on the
environment are evaluated through environmental impact assessments. When choosing a
site, it's important to keep in mind environmental laws at the local and national levels
and take precautions against potential dangers.
Administrative and Drafting Prerequisites: The site ought to be in compliance with
zoning laws and restrictions on land use, and it ought to have all of the necessary
construction and operation permits and approvals.
Nearness to Business sectors and Clients: Improved competitiveness can result from the
site's proximity to target markets or customers, which can have an impact on
transportation costs and response times to customer demands.
Wellbeing and Security: To safeguard the community and prevent accidents, safety
measures should be in place. A risk and danger assessment of the site is necessary.
Job Opportunities: It's important to have access to a skilled workforce. The location
ought to have access to educational and training facilities as well as a pool of skilled
workers.
Growth and Expansion Potential in the Future: The site ought to have space for future
extension and admittance to assets important for development, like land, utilities, and
framework updates.
Financial Rewards: Legislatures or nearby specialists might offer monetary impetuses or
tax breaks for finding a refining office in unambiguous regions. Site selection decisions
may be influenced by these incentives.
2. Designing a Process: Process configuration includes deciding the general design, working
circumstances, and determinations for the refining system. Important factors include:
Section Internals: The capacity, pressure drop, and maintenance requirements of column
internals are all affected by the choice between trays and packing.
Condensers and Reboilers: When choosing the right condensers and reboilers, efficiency,
capacity, resistance to corrosion, compatibility with materials, and ease of maintenance
must all be taken into consideration.
Siphons and Valves: The effective and dependable control of fluid flow is ensured by
selecting the appropriate pumps and valves.
Construction Supplies: The process conditions—temperature, pressure, and corrosiveness
—should be compatible with the building materials.
4. Operation: Productive activity of the refining system requires cautious administration of key
factors:
Identifying the Risk: Leading an intensive peril examination to recognize possible dangers,
including fire, blast, poisonous delivery, or other security risks.
Risk Analysis: Surveying and evaluating dangers to decide suitable security measures and
alleviation procedures.
Gear Plan: Planning hardware with wellbeing highlights, including pressure help
frameworks, crisis closure frameworks, security interlocks, and satisfactory ventilation.
Procedures and Training: Giving proper preparation to faculty and laying out standard
working techniques for safe activity and upkeep.
Compliance with Regulations: ensuring compliance with safety regulations, standards, and
codes to avoid accidents and safeguard employees and the environment.
The effective plan of a refining interaction requires a thorough methodology that thinks about the
specialized, monetary, ecological, and security perspectives. To develop a distillation process
that is cost-effective, safe, and efficient, it is essential for process engineers, chemical engineers,
mechanical engineers, safety professionals, and other stakeholders to work together.