Batch reactive distillation in a multi-vessel column

Multi-vessel batch distillation is a novel column configuration which has the potential to improve separation performance and provides batch reactive distillation an alternative operation. It will be a very interesting combination that no research group has ever tried in open literature. The experiences of building a rigorous model to simulate the batch distillation process in Prof. Fieg’s group can provide more reliable results. My understanding of the design and operation of batch reactive distillation make the combination potential.

We expect it will take 10 months to complete this project and obtain enough meaningful results. The timeframe of the project is planned as following. For the first 4 months, the plan is to learn to build the rigorous process model using Aspen Custom Modeler for simulation of a multi-vessel batch distillation column. At the same time, we need to find one or two chemistry systems suitable for multi-vessel batch reactive distillation as process examples. In the next 4 months, the plan is to optimize the multi-vessel batch distillation process. The objective can be minimizing the total batch time or maximizing the production yield, and the design variables can be the operating recipe and column stage number. For applying optimization algorithm (such as simulated annealing or genetic algorithm), Aspen Custom Modeler needs to be interfaced with MATLAB or other programming software for repeatedly. For the rest 2 months, the plan is to collect and analyze all the simulation results and write a report. For the whole project, we expect to illustrate a multi-vessel batch reactive distillation process and its optimal design, and to compare the results with conventional column operation and show its benefits.