Modeling of an Ethanol - Water- LiBr Ternary System for the Simulation of Bioethanol Purification using Pass-Through Distillation

• Main Author: Smestad, Haley Hayden
• Other Authors: Susan C. Roberts, Department Head
• Format: Others
• Published: Digital WPI 2016
• Subjects: LiBr; Pass-Through Distillation; Aspen Plus; Electrolyte; Ethanol; Bioethanol Separation; eNRTL
• Online Access: https://digitalcommons.wpi.edu/etd-theses/452; https://digitalcommons.wpi.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1451&context=etd-theses

Accurate modeling of mixed solvent electrolyte systems is difficult and is not readily available in property modeling software such as Aspen Plus. Support for modeling these systems requires the knowledge and input of parameters specific to the compounds in question. The need for these parameters is particularly relevant in simulating new designs based upon recent developments in a concept known as pass-through distillation (PTD). In support of a specific application of PTD, this work determines and validates with existing experimental data, accurate user-parameters for the eNRTL property model in the ternary system of ethanol, water, and lithium bromide. Furthermore, this work creates the foundation for simulating this new PTD process by modeling the removal of bioethanol from a fermentation broth using low temperature evaporation in conjunction with absorption and stripping units to omit the need of a condenser requiring refrigeration. This will enable future investigations into the applications of PTD as well as provide a foundation for modeling the ternary system of ethanol, water and lithium bromide.