PARAFFIN SEPARATION VACUUM DISTILLATION

• Main Author: Zaid A. Abdulrahman
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Tikrit University 2013-05-01
• Series: Tikrit Journal of Engineering Sciences
• Subjects: Process simulation, CHEMCAD Simulator, multicomponent distillation, LAB, paraffin column, vacuum pressure
• Online Access: http://www.tj-es.com/ojs/index.php/tjes/article/view/207

<p>Simulated column performance curves were constructed for existing paraffin separation vacuum distillation column in LAB plant (Arab Detergent Company/Baiji-Iraq). The variables considered in this study are the thermodynamic model option, top vacuum pressure, top and bottom temperatures, feed temperature, feed composition &amp; reflux ratio. Also simulated columns profiles for the temperature, vapor &amp; liquid flow rates composition were constructed. Four different thermodynamic model options (SRK, TSRK, PR, and ESSO) were used, affecting the results within 1-25% variation for the most cases.</p><p>The simulated results show that about 2% to 8 % of paraffin (C₁₀, C₁₁, C₁₂, &amp; C₁₃) present at the bottom stream which may cause a problem in the LAB plant. The major variations were noticed for the top temperature &amp; the  paraffin weight fractions at bottom section with top vacuum pressure. The bottom temperature above 240 ^oC is not recommended because the total bottom flow rate decreases sharply, where as  the weight fraction of paraffins decrease slightly. The study gives evidence about a successful simulation with CHEMCAD</p>