A mass and energy balance stage model for cyclic distillation

Cyclic distillation is an emerging process intensification technology, which can improve the separation efficiency compared to conventional distillation. Since most current models only account for the mass transfer, there is a lack of a stage model for cyclic distillation processes, which includes considerations of both mass and energy transfer. Such a model is presented in this paper and using this model selected case studies, describing binary and multiple component systems with both ideal and non-ideal liquid phases, are investigated. The presented stage model allows for the modelling of both mass and energy transfer for a cyclic distillation process and allows for multiple feed locations as well as side draws. With the energy balances included the dynamic vapour flow rate can be described. This was shown to have a significant effect on the separation, especially for cases where the change in the vapour flow over the column height was high. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.