Comparison Of Ideal Stage And Mass Transfer Models For Separation Processes With And Without Chemical Reactions

CATEGORY: SEPARATION
PTQ - Petroleum Technology Quarterly, April 2012
Comparison Of Ideal Stage And Mass Transfer Models For Separation Processes With And Without Chemical Reactions
Christopher Skowlund, Ph.D., Michael Hlavinka, Ph.D., P.E., Mauricio Lopez, Ph.D.
Bryan Research & Engineering, Inc., Bryan, TX, U.S.A.
Carl Fitz, Ph.D., P.E., S-Con Inc., Bryan, TX, U.S.A.
ABSTRACT
Describes design and optimization of separation processes using process simulators employing various calculation approaches.
Two common techniques for modeling distillation are the ideal stage model and the mass transfer model. The ideal stage model is relatively simple, but requires an overall efficiency for trays or a height equivalent of a theoretical stage for packing. The mass transfer model is significantly more computationally intensive and relies heavily on empirical equations for properties such as diffusivity, mass transfer coefficients and interfacial area.
Authors focus on the application and comparison of the ideal stage and mass transfer models to systems with and without chemical reactions such as amine treating, glycol dehydration, reactive distillation and hydrocarbon separation columns. They explain the advantages and disadvantages of each method and offer guidelines for their application and use.
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