Heuristics: Thermally coupled columns

Consider side-columns when the middle-boiling component

is less than 30% of the feed.
Side-rectifier Side-stripper

A B A
1 3
A 3
B
C
2 1
A
B 4
4 C 2

B
C
C

Use if there is more A in Use if there is more C in

the feed than C the feed than A
Glinos and Malone, Optimality regions for complex column alternatives in
distillation systems, Chem. Eng. Res. Des., 1988, 66 (3) 229-240
06 – 33 Distillation System Design 2018

Heuristics:
Prefractionator arrangements
Consider a prefractionator when the middle-boiling component
comprises a large fraction of the feed and αAB is similar to αBC.
Prefractionator Petlyuk arrangement Dividing wall column

A
B B
C

06 – 34 Distillation System Design 2018