Vapor permeation-distillation hybrid processes for cost-effective isopropanol dehydration: modeling, simulation and optimization

Harvianto, G.R.,Ahmad, F.,Nhien, L.C.,Lee, M. Elsevier Scientific Pub. Co 2016 Journal of membrane science Vol.497 No.-

This study reports the advantages of a cost-effective unit process using a hybrid distillation and vapor permeation unit for isopropanol dehydration. The feasibility of numerous hybrid membrane distillation schemes for isopropanol dehydration was evaluated by simulation and optimization in Aspen Plus. A built-in model for a membrane separation system was proposed by developing a mathematical model in an Aspen Custom Modeler and integrating it simultaneously with an Aspen Plus. The output results of the rigorous membrane models were consistent with the experimental data from the literature. The influence of the decisive operational parameters, which will be used as an optimization variable to examine the different configurations of hybrid systems, was analyzed. Furthermore, this study also employed the response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the economical calculation and find the best design for the desired product. The RSM optimization effectively connected the interception of the optimizing variables and its predictions agreed well with the results of rigorous simulations. The most significant savings in the total costs could be achieved by applying a distillation-vapor permeation configuration (approximately 77% compared to azeotropic distillation). Therefore, it is economically beneficial to employ distillation-vapor permeation over the previously proposed hybrid systems of the distillation-pervaporation and distillation-pervaporation-distillation.

A hybrid reactive distillation process with high selectivity pervaporation for butyl acetate production via transesterification

Harvianto, Gregorius Rionugroho,Ahmad, Faizan,Lee, Moonyong Elsevier 2017 Journal of membrane science Vol.543 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>A hybrid reactive distillation system with high selectivity pervaporation was examined to produce butyl acetate and methanol via transesterification of methyl acetate with butanol. High selectivity pervaporation was combined with reactive distillation to eliminate a hitherto required column for the separation of a methanol and methyl acetate azeotrope. The polyamide-6 membrane was used for this purpose because of its high selectivity for methanol while also allowing sufficient permeate flux. The high purity methyl acetate recovered in the retentate stream leads to high conversion in the reactive distillation column, which enhances the energy savings (up to 71%) of this process. The feasibility of the proposed hybrid processes and several alternative designs were evaluated by rigorous simulation and optimization using the Aspen Plus software package. The effects of several designs and operating variables were also investigated for the proposed design. The high potential of the hybrid reactive distillation and pervaporation system for butyl acetate production is very promising; it may not only reduce the total annual costs relative to conventional systems but may also provide an attractive strategy to address problems associated with methanol and methyl acetate azeotropes in the effluent generated in the polyvinyl alcohol industry.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Hybrid reactive distillation with pervaporation is studied for butyl acetate production. </LI> <LI> High selectivity pervaporation is proposed for the hybrid system. </LI> <LI> Elimination of a column required to separate the MeOH-MeAc azeotrope is achieved. </LI> <LI> The sequential optimization approach is applied to find the optimum design. </LI> <LI> High total annual cost saving (60%) is observed from the proposed optimum design. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

A thermally coupled reactive distillation and pervaporation hybrid process for n-butyl acetate production with enhanced energy efficiency

Harvianto, G.R.,Ahmad, F.,Lee, M. The Institution ; distributed by Pergamon 2017 Chemical engineering research & design Vol.124 No.-

This paper presents a novel hybrid process combining thermally coupled reactive distillation with membrane-based pervaporation for enhanced production of n-butyl acetate. A conventional reactive distillation process was used as the base case and first optimized for the transesterification of methyl acetate with n-butanol to produce n-butyl acetate. It was observed that methyl acetate recovered in the recycle stream significantly affects the conversion in the reactive distillation column and overall energy efficiency of the whole process. The existing and proposed configurations were evaluated and optimized by simulation in Aspen Plus. The integration of thermally coupled reactive distillation and pervaporation improved the energy efficiency of the reactive distillation process by preventing remixing effect in the reactive distillation column and eliminating the azeotropic nature of the methanol and methyl acetate in the recycle stream, respectively. Finally, integration of the thermally coupled reactive distillation with a commercial pervaporation membrane was explored to take synergistic advantage of the thermally coupled reactive distillation and pervaporation hybrid configuration. As a result, the proposed hybrid design showed remarkably improved energy efficiency and economics. The total reboiler duty and total annual cost reduced to 63 and 43%, respectively, compared to those of the base case.

Process Design and Optimization of an Acetic Acid Recovery System in Terephthalic Acid Production via Hybrid Extraction–Distillation Using a Novel Mixed Solvent

Harvianto, Gregorius Rionugroho,Kang, Ki Joon,Lee, Moonyong American Chemical Society 2017 INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH - Vol.56 No.8

<P>An extraction and distillation hybrid process using a novel mixed solvent was proposed for enhancing acetic acid recovery during terephthalic acid production. Feasible hybrid extraction distillation schemes were designed, simulated, and optimized for two mixed solvents, p-xylene + methyl acetate, and p-xylene + ethyl acetate, based on liquid-liquid equilibrium data for a quaternary system containing methyl acetate or ethyl acetate with p-xylene, acetic acid, and water. A hybrid process using the p-xylene + methyl acetate mixed solvent was found to generate the desired purity of acetic acid with a lower energy consumption and higher product yield than conventional extraction processes. Results showed that the proposed hybrid extraction distillation process improves the process economics remarkably: the hybrid process using the p-xylene + methyl acetate and p-xylene + ethyl acetate mixed solvent reduced a total annual cost by 14% and 6%, respectively, compared with the conventional hybrid process using the ethyl acetate single solvent. With the important advantage of p-xylene and methyl acetate as internally existing components, the proposed mixed solvent is promising for safe and cost-effective recovery of acetic acid, particularly during terephthalic acid production.</P>

Optimal operation of a dividing wall column using an enhanced active vapor distributor

Harvianto, Gregorius Rionugroho,Kim, Kwang Hyun,Kang, Ki Joon,Lee, Moonyong Elsevier 2019 Chemical engineering research & design Vol.144 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>During dividing wall column (DWC) operation, the liquid and vapor split ratios must be actively tuned to maximize the energy-saving potential for the desired separation process. However, no active vapor split control devices have been reported to be installed in existing industrial DWCs. Therefore, the enhanced active vapor distributor (EAVD<SUP>®</SUP>) has been developed to overcome the existing problems in controlling the vapor split ratio in DWCs. In the EAVD, the opening area for the vapor flow is tuned by altering the liquid level of a modified chimney tray. The liquid level can be adjusted by operating the control valve in each section of the DWC. In this study, a laboratory-scale EAVD was tested under a number of experimental conditions to validate its reliability for controlling the vapor flow associated with its pressure drop behavior in a DWC. The results showed that the use of an EAVD allowed the pressure drop differences in the above mass transfer section to be compensated, and the desired vapor split ratio could be achieved during operation. Furthermore, modification of the existing DWCs can be easily accomplished by substituting the current chimney tray with the EAVD, improving the operability and flexibility of DWCs.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> A new vapor splitter device is proposed for enhanced dividing wall column operation. </LI> <LI> The pressure drop behavior of EAVD<SUP>®</SUP> has been evaluated. </LI> <LI> The desired vapor split ratio can be achieved by adjusting the liquid level in EAVD<SUP>®</SUP>. </LI> <LI> The new DWC control scheme using active liquid and vapor splitter is proposed. </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>

Liquid-liquid equilibrium data and correlation for quaternary systems of acetic acid+water+methyl acetate+p-xylene at 313.2K

Harvianto, G.R.,Kim, S.E.,Kang, K.J.,Bahadori, A.,Lee, M. Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemi 2016 Journal of industrial and engineering chemistry Vol.35 No.-

<P>The experimental liquid-liquid equilibrium (LLE) data of the quaternary (acetic acid + water + p-xylene + methyl acetate) system was investigated at 313.2 K and atmospheric pressure. This research is aimed to examine the potential of the mixture of methyl acetate and p-xylene, which available as the remaining substances in terephthalic acid production, to be prospective extracting solvent for the acetic acid dehydration. LLE phase diagrams at different ratio of p-xylene to methyl acetate were presented for this quaternary system. The results showed that an enlargement of the LLE two-phase region occurred with increasing p-xylene to methyl acetate mass ratio in the initial solvent phase. The distribution coefficient and selectivity for the extraction of acetic acid were also obtained to evaluate the capability of solvent. LLE data were sufficiently correlated by Othmer-Tobias and Bachman equations. The experimental results were used to obtain binary interaction parameters as correlated by the non-random two liquid (NRTL) and universal quasi-chemical theory (UNIQUAC) equation models. The root mean square deviations (RMSD) values as low as 0.0119 and 0.0128 were calculated for NRTL and UNIQUAC, respectively; indicating excellent results for both models were suitable for the determination of LLE data of this quaternary system. (C) 2016 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.</P>

The effect of dominant ions on solvent extraction of lithium ion from aqueous solution

Gregorius Rionugroho Harvianto,주창식,Sang-Gu Jeong 한국화학공학회 2014 Korean Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.31 No.5

Solvent extraction of lithium ion using kerosene as solvent is proposed. The extraction of lithium ion usingvarious mixed extractants of β-diketone and neutral ligand in kerosene was performed to find the optimum extractantcombination. Considering the extraction efficiency, the optimum extractant combination was 0.02 M TTA and 0.04MTOPO. For the development of lithium extraction from seawater, the effects of dominant ions in seawater were examinedin various extraction conditions. The extraction efficiencies generally decreased with the concentration of dominantmetallic ions and increased with pH of the aqueous solutions, but Cl− ion showed only minor effect on the efficiency,even up to its concentration in seawater. Except for Mg2+ ion, more than 70% of lithium ions could be extracted at pH10.6 from aqueous solutions with a dominant ion at its concentration in seawater.

Liquid–liquid equilibrium data and correlation for quaternary systems of acetic acid + water + methyl acetate + p-xylene at 313.2 K

Gregorius Rionugroho Harvianto,김서은,강기준,Alireza Bahadori,이문용 한국공업화학회 2016 Journal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Vol.35 No.-

The experimental liquid–liquid equilibrium (LLE) data of the quaternary (acetic acid + water + pxylene+ methyl acetate) system was investigated at 313.2 K and atmospheric pressure. This research isaimed to examine the potential of the mixture of methyl acetate and p-xylene, which available as theremaining substances in terephthalic acid production, to be prospective extracting solvent for the aceticacid dehydration. LLE phase diagrams at different ratio of p-xylene to methyl acetate were presented forthis quaternary system. The results showed that an enlargement of the LLE two-phase region occurredwith increasing p-xylene to methyl acetate mass ratio in the initial solvent phase. The distributioncoefficient and selectivity for the extraction of acetic acid were also obtained to evaluate the capability ofsolvent. LLE data were sufficiently correlated by Othmer-Tobias and Bachman equations. Theexperimental results were used to obtain binary interaction parameters as correlated by the nonrandomtwo liquid (NRTL) and universal quasi-chemical theory (UNIQUAC) equation models. The rootmean square deviations (RMSD) values as low as 0.0119 and 0.0128 were calculated for NRTL andUNIQUAC, respectively; indicating excellent results for both models were suitable for the determinationof LLE data of this quaternary system.

Conceptual designs of integrated process for simultaneous production of potable water, electricity, and salt

Husnil, Yuli Amalia,Harvianto, Gregorius Rionugroho,Andika, Riezqa,Chaniago, Yus Donald,Lee, Moonyong Elsevier 2017 Desalination Vol.409 No.-

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The main aim of this study was to conduct preliminary analysis on the performance of two conceptual designs that integrate the production of potable water, electricity, and salt. We used reverse osmosis (RO), pressure-retarded osmosis (PRO), and electrodialysis (ED) to produce potable water, electricity, and salt, respectively. The objective of the analysis is to observe how the relative positions of RO and PRO in the integrated process affect the five key parameters, i.e. the total dissolved solids (TDS) of potable water, permeate rate, the total energy requirement of the RO and ED units, net delivered power, and salt potential. We simulated each integrated design using previously validated mathematical expressions of RO, PRO, and ED. We found that the net delivered power is higher when the RO unit is located before the PRO unit. The same sequence also results in lower energy requirement for producing potable water, although the permeate rate is smaller than that of the rival sequence. On the other hand, the salt potential is not affected by the relative positions of the RO and PRO units.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> Integrated process for the production of potable water, electricity, and salt </LI> <LI> Process simulation analysis for the integrated process system </LI> <LI> The effects of different water sources and temperature in the process are studied. </LI> <LI> The design proposed represents a feasible option for the production of water, electricity, and salt </LI> </UL> </P>

Hydraulic Driven Active Vapor Distributor for Enhancing Operability of a Dividing Wall Column

Kang, Ki Joon,Harvianto, Gregorius Rionugroho,Lee, Moonyong American Chemical Society 2017 INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH - Vol.56 No.22

<P>A novel active vapor distributor (AVD) was proposed to address the need for vapor split control during dividing wall column (DWC) design and operation. A DWCs energy efficiency can be significantly reduced by a small deviation in the vapor split ratio; therefore, the vapor split ratio needs to be regulated during operation. In the proposed AVD, vapor splitting was implemented by a modified chimney tray with a specially designed cap. The liquid level of the chimney tray on each end side of the dividing wall section could be adjusted to control the vapor flow split. As the proposed AVD adjusts the friction of the vapor flow path efficiently without any mechanical moving parts, it can realize a more reliable operation of a DWC. The performance of the proposed AVD was evaluated, and the results demonstrated its easy implementation and superior ability to regulate vapor flow split during DWC operation.</P>