Aromatics Extraction Plant Design Using Synthesis Techniques

Abstract

Modern process synthesis techniques were applied to the design of a new aromatics extraction and distillation plant and resulted in very attractive energy savings. Techniques used included targeting, ∆Tmin optimization, process modification, and distillation sequencing. Three designs were prepared and compared: designed as it had been before, improved only by changing the heat exchanger network, and improved by changing both the process conditions and the heat exchanger network. Better heat integration alone saved 21% of the energy cost with a 1.1 month payback. Changed process conditions plus heat integration saved 26% of the energy cost with a 0.2 month payback.