Integrated Design Of Solvent-Based Extractive Separation Processes

The objective of this paper is to present a systematic methodology for integrated design of solvent-based extraction processes for recovery of desired chemicals and to highlight the application of this methodology through the solution of an industrial case study involving the recovery of two highly valued with high demand chemicals, ethylbenzene (EB) and mixed-xylenes, from a C8-aromatics mixture. The computer aided molecular design (CAMD) technique integrated with process design has been used to design the solvent-based extractive separation process. The details of the systematic methodology are presented and highlighted through the results from the industrial case study. A sensitivity analysis of the design to uncertainties in thermodynamic properties has been performed to evaluate their effect on process economy and environmental impact. The sensitivity analysis also provided input to design of experiments for measurements of important uncertain properties.