Recovering energy by mechanical vapor recompression

Journal Article · Mon Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1985 · Chem. Eng. Prog.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6412273

Becker, F E; Zakak, A I

It is estimated that 25 to 40% of the total energy consumed by the chemical and petrochemical industries is used in separation processes. Because of increasing energy costs, a great number of plants are being reexamined to make their processes more energy-efficient. Distillation is one such process, in which large energy reductions can often be achieved. Studies have identified a number of alternatives for lowering energy consumption in the distillation process through various heat recovery techniques. One such technique utilizes mechanical vapor recompression. In this approach, a compressor is used to recycle the latent heat from overhead or flashed vapors and then recompress the vapors to conditions suitable for driving the reboiler at the bottom of the tower. This reduces the energy input to the tower to 10-15% of the energy normally consumed in the reboiler.

• Research Organization: Thermo Electron Corp., Waltham, Mass.
• OSTI ID: 6412273
• Journal Information: Chem. Eng. Prog.; (United States), Journal Name: Chem. Eng. Prog.; (United States) Vol. 81:7; ISSN CEPRA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020400* -- Petroleum-- Processing
32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATION
320304 -- Energy Conservation
Consumption
& Utilization-- Industrial & Agricultural Processes-- Waste Heat Recovery & Utilization
BOILERS
CHEMICAL PLANTS
COMPRESSED GASES
COMPRESSION
COMPRESSORS
DISTILLATION EQUIPMENT
EFFICIENCY
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ENERGY RECOVERY
ENTHALPY
EQUIPMENT
FLUIDS
GAS COMPRESSORS
GASES
HEAT PUMPS
HEAT RECOVERY
HEAT RECOVERY EQUIPMENT
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
PETROCHEMICAL PLANTS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RECOVERY
SEPARATION PROCESSES
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES
TRANSITION HEAT
VAPORIZATION HEAT
VAPORS