Modeling a Triple-Effect Evaporator

in Aspen Plus
An Example
Feed-Forward Triple Effect Evaporator

Multi-effect evaporators
improve efficiency by
using vapor from each
stage as heat source for
the subsequent stage.

Pressures (and
temperatures) must
decrease from one stage
to the next.

Modeling challenge:
determine steam flow
required to meet desired
concentration

2 © 2015 Aspen Technology, Inc. All rights reserved

Specifications for a single stage

Specify stage pressure

Note heat stream

indicates direction of
information flow. The coil
model sets the duty and
writes it to the flash block

Specify vapor fraction of

Specify zero to assume the steam
steam condenses completely
conditions
3 © 2015 Aspen Technology, Inc. All rights reserved
Model Results

Pressures specified

Flow rates and temperatures

are calculated

4 © 2015 Aspen Technology, Inc. All rights reserved

Simulate Control Action to Meet Target Concentration
Use a Design Specification
Vary steam flow

To reach target
salt content

5 © 2015 Aspen Technology, Inc. All rights reserved