Energy Optimization for a Multistage Crude Oil Distillation Process

• Published in: Chemical engineering & technology Vol. 38; no. 7; pp. 1243 - 1253
• Main Authors: Gu, Wugen, Wang, Kan, Huang, Yuqing, Zhang, Bingjian, Chen, Qinglin, Hui, Chi-Wai
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Weinheim WILEY-VCH Verlag 01.07.2015; WILEY‐VCH Verlag
• Subjects: Crude oil distillation; Energy optimization; Exergy analysis; Mathematical model
• ISSN: 0930-7516; 1521-4125
• DOI: 10.1002/ceat.201400130

Energy optimization is a hot research topic for design and operation of crude oil distillation plants. Optimum energy utilization in a multistage crude oil distillation process is achieved by optimizing the distillation load of each distillation column as well as the yield of the sidestreams of distillation columns. A generalized multistage distillation energy consumption model is proposed, and the optimal distillation load distribution is accomplished by minimizing the total energy consumption. Based on the optimal distillation loads, a nonlinear programming model is then formulated to determine the yields of sidestreams by maximizing the thermal exergy recovery for the crude oil plant. Finally, a four‐stage crude oil distillation plant is investigated to demonstrate the performance of the proposed approach. The results show a decrease in energy consumption and an increase in heat recovery. The distillation load distribution of the distillation columns in a multistage crude oil distillation process is directly related to the energy consumption, and the yields of the sidestreams of these columns affect the thermal exergy recovery for the crude oil plant. These problems are formulated by an energy optimization approach combining mathematical programming and exergy analysis.