Process Description
The SPM-700 Distillation Column Process Simulation can be configured to separate a binary mixture of any two of the paraffins C1 through C8 (methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, hexane, heptane, and octane respectively). The default configuration is for hexane (C6) and heptane (C7). Any feed tray can be selected. The default is tray 5.
The distillation column (C-301) feed is pumped (P-101/2) through a preheater (E-101) where its temperature is raised to the optimum temperature of the feed tray.
The distillation column (C-301) is heated with a thermosyphon type reboiler (E-401).
The bottoms product is pumped (P-501/2) out of the distillation column (C-301) to a product storage facility.
The distillation column (C-301) vapors are condensed in an overhead condenser (E-601) and enter a reflux drum (D-701) where the liquid is accumulated. The uncondensed vapors can be vented through a vent line.
Reflux pumps (P-801/2) draw liquid from the bottom of the reflux drum (D-701) and pump part of the liquid back (reflux) to the distillation column (C-301). The balance of the liquid is sent to a product storage facility.
Instrumentation
The feed flow loop is outfitted with a composition analyzer (AI-101) that measures weight percent lights. Feed supply temperature is indicated by TI-101. Feed block valves can be opened and closed with switches HV-101 and HV-102. Feed pumps can be turned on and off with switches HS-101 and HS-102. Feed flow is modulated by flow controller FIC-101.
The preheater (E-101) ThermOil flow loop is outfitted with a flow indicator (FI-201), a ThermOil supply temperature indicator (TI-201), and a ThermOil return temperature indicator (TI-202). ThermOil block valves can be opened and closed with switches HV-201 and HV-202. ThermOil flow is modulated by temperature controller TIC-102.
Temperature indicators (TI-301 through TI-308) and composition analyzers measuring weight percent lights (AI-301 through AI-308) are provided for each of the eight theoretical stages of the distillation column (C-301). An overall column pressure drop indicator (PDI-301) is also provided.
The reboiler (E-401) is outfitted with a ThermOil supply temperature indicator (TI-401) and a ThermOil flow rate indicator (FI-401). ThermOil block valves can be opened and closed with switches HV-401 and HV-402. ThermOil flow is modulated by temperature controller TIC-501.
The distillation column (C-301) bottoms product line is outfitted with a composition analyzer (AI-501) and a bottoms product flow rate indicator (FI-501). Bottoms product flow rate is modulated by level controller LIC-301. Bottoms product block valves can be opened and closed with switches HV-501 and HV-502. Bottoms product pumps (P-501/2) can be started and stopped with switches HS-501 and HS-502.
The overhead condenser (E-601) is outfitted with a cooling water supply temperature indicator (TI-601). Cooling water flow rate is modulated by flow controller FIC-601. Cooling water block valves can be opened and closed with switches HV-601 and HV-602.
The overhead vapor vent line is outfitted with a vent flow rate indicator (FI-701). Column pressure is modulated by pressure controller PIC-701. The vent line block valves can be opened and closed with switches HV-701 and HV-702.
Reflux pumps (P-801/2) can be started and stopped with switches HS-801 and HS-802. Reflux flow rate is modulated by flow controller FIC-801.
The overhead product line is outfitted with a temperature indicator (TI-801), a composition analyzer that measures weight percent lights (AI-801), and an overhead product flow rate controller (FIC-802). The overhead product flow rate is controlled by a level controller (LIC-701). Overhead product block valves can be opened and closed with switches HV-801 and HV-802.