Enhancing multi-component separation of aromatics with Kaibel columns and DWC

This study investigates novel schemes for an energy efficient separation of aromatics, based on a dividing-wall column (DWC) and a Kaibel distillation column. AspenTech Aspen Plus®was used as CAPE tool to perform rigorous simulations and optimization of the proposed designs applying a simplified platforming as case study. The novel design with two consecutive DWCs reduces the energy demand by 7%, while the alternative that combines a conventional stripper with a Kaibel column leads to over 17% energy savings as compared to an optimized conventional direct distillation sequence. The novel schemes also require less equipment and a reduced plant footprint.