STTR Phase I: New Concepts in Multicomponent Batch Distillation for Higher Productivity, Waste and Energy Reduction

This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project provides dual-column batch distillation configurations and their novel operating modes for the separation of mixtures containing three or more components. These new batch distillation concepts pose additional computational and modeling challenges that must be overcome. Due to the dynamic linking between the two distillation columns, several startup strategies, as well as subsequent operating modes, need conceptualization and elucidation. Mathematical models adequately describing these highly interactive and time varying modes must be developed. Finally, the complex model equations must be solved and an operating algorithm must be identified to achieve maximum benefits. The proposed research will provide substantial competitive cost advantages to the US fine chemicals, pharmaceuticals and agro chemicals manufacturers. Moreover, the research will have societal benefits in terms of reduced energy consumption and waste generation.