Semi-batch distillation in a dividing-wall column

Kis, Bendegúz and Hégely, László (2026) Semi-batch distillation in a dividing-wall column. In: 13th International Conference on Distillation & Absorption, 2026. augusztus 30.-szeptember 2., Salzburg. (In Press)

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Abstract

A novel semi-batch dividing-wall column (SBDWC) configuration is proposed that aims to combine the advantages of semi-batch operation with those of the DWC. The proposed column is based on a side-rectifier DWC, with a partition wall extending from the column midsection to the top, equipped with two condensers. The process consists of a batch step where the lightest component is separated from the initial mixture, followed by a semi-batch step where the light and intermediate components are produced as distillates on opposite sides of the wall, while the heaviest component is accumulated in the still pot. The specific energy demand (SED) of the SBDWC is evaluated for the separation of an equimolar n-hexane/n-heptane/n-octane mixture. Simulations are performed by the professional flow-sheet simulator CHEMCAD. The SED of the process is minimised using the Box-complex method, and the result is compared to those of conventional batch and semi-batch processes from the literature.

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