SOL ALPHA
Thermal separation · Distillation column

Design a distillation column with reboiler and condenser

Design multicomponent separation, energy demand, reboiler, condenser and mechanical column as one system.

5 solution steps8 suggested modulesStatus: solution concept

The engineering task

A multicomponent feed must be separated into overhead and bottoms products at specified purity and recovery. Reflux ratio, stage count and feed condition jointly determine diameter, height and heating/cooling demand.

Process design provides vapour and liquid loads through the column. These define column diameter, internals, reboiler and condenser. Mechanical design must include pressure and temperature profiles, liquid weight, wind, nozzle loads and startup/shutdown cases.

Required design data

  • Feed rate, composition, pressure and thermal condition
  • Product specifications and recoveries
  • Available heating and cooling utilities
  • Design pressure, wind region and installation elevation

Technical solution approach

Calculate the separation

Iterate balances, phase equilibrium, reflux and theoretical stages to meet product specifications.

Set column hydraulics

Vapour and liquid loads determine diameter, capacity limits and internals.

Design the energy system

Derive reboiler and condenser duties from the column balance and match available utilities.

Size the heat exchangers

Design reboiler and condenser including pressure drop and relevant upset cases.

Verify the mechanical column

Calculate shell, heads, flanges, nozzles and skirt for pressure, weight and wind, then size relief.

Expected deliverables

Material balance, stages and reflux
Column diameter and internal loading
Reboiler and condenser design
Mechanical column and skirt verification

Suitable SOL ALPHA modules

The modules form a technically plausible toolchain. Their final selection and sequence will be confirmed during the later calculation against the applicable code and project conditions.

SCUTProcess designMulticomponent distillationcalculates multicomponent separation→VERDThermal designVaporization of pure substances in shell-and-tube or double pipe heat exchangerssupports reboiler design→DNKThermal designSteam residual-steam condensation in heat exchanger groupssupports condenser design→B1Mechanical designCylindrical shells under internal pressureverifies the column shell→RUERMechanical designNozzles on vesselschecks column nozzles→ENZAMechanical designVertical vessels on skirt supportscalculates the skirt→1991LoadsWind loadsprovides wind loading→A2SafetySafety facilities to protect against pressure transgression: Safety valvessizes pressure relief→