Reusing energy lowers fuel needs of distillation towers

Journal Article · Mon Jun 14 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · Chem. Eng. (N.Y.); (United States)

OSTI ID:7018779

Rathore, R N.S.

In this article, the author outlines a procedure for heat-integrating parallel distillation trains typical in a large plant. In a complex producing several grades of petroleum fuels, aromatics and olefins, the distillation towers reject a lot of heat in the 150 to 350/degree/F range through the condensers, pump-around exchangers and intermediate condensers to the cooling water or air. Yet, it is not uncommon in the same plant to have distillation towers requiring reboilers in the 150 to 300/degree/F range. Here, the heat is supplied by steam or direct-fired fuel. By reusing the heat rejected by some towers in the intermediate reboilers and reboilers of other towers, one can significantly reduce consumption of utilities. Detailed design recommendations on what to do to achieve this goal are presented. It is demonstrated that a systematic approach at maximizing heat integration in distillation systems can offer large utility savings. In existing plants, the major elements for these savings can be implemented by increasing the capital investment for distillation-tower exchangers, drums, piping and pumps.

• Research Organization: Exxon Chem Co, Florham Park, NJ, USA
• OSTI ID: 7018779
• Journal Information: Chem. Eng. (N.Y.); (United States), Journal Name: Chem. Eng. (N.Y.); (United States) Vol. 89:12; ISSN CHEEA
• 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
DISTILLATION EQUIPMENT
ECONOMICS
EQUIPMENT
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
PETROLEUM REFINERIES
WASTE HEAT UTILIZATION
WASTE PRODUCT UTILIZATION