Ranking of rectification structures separating quaternary mixtures with exergy analysis

Abstract

In this paper exergy analysis is applied to select the most efficient rectification structures for separation of quaternary hydrocarbon mixtures. The basis and usage of exergy analysis is shown, as well as the benefits of its application. Exergy loss and thermodynamic efficiency is calculated from basic equations of thermodynamics. The ranking, even based on exergy analysis, highly depends on the product purification prescription. Finally it is shown that heat integration of distillation columns is exergetically beneficial in a wide product purity range.