THERMODYNAMIC TUNING IN SEPARATION PROCESS SIMULATION AND DESIGN

A strategy for the thermodynamic modelling of separation processes is described. On the basis of a sensitivity analysis, the most sensitive model parameters for each critical separation task are tuned in accordance with the experimental information and the separation requirements. A realistic description of the process conditions is obtained by choosing for parameter estimation the regions of maximum sensitivity. The procedure is illustrated by tuning an equation of state to the fractionation problem of ethylene production. A single parameter matrix is obtained valid for all the critical separation problems of low- and high-pressure ethylene plant distillation processes.