CHAPTER

Aspen Plus Simulation of

Distillation Models

31
.
BUILT-IN DISTILLATION MODELS

An Aspen simulation package has nine built-in unit operation models for the separating
column. In the Aspen terminology, these packages are named as DSTWU, Distl, RadFrac.
Extract. MultiFrac, SCFrac, PetroFrac, RateFrac and BatchFrac. Under these categories,
several model configurations are available. Note that Extract model is used for liquid-
liquid extraction. Among the built-in column models, DSTWU, Distl and SCFrac
represent the shortcut distillation and the rest of the distillation models perform igorous

r
calculations.
DSTWU model uses Winn-Underwood-Gilliland method for a single-feed two-product
fractionating column having either a partial or total condenser. It estimates minimum
number of stages using Winn method and minimum reflux ratio using Underwood
method. Moreover, it determines the actual reflux ratio for the specified number of
stages or the actual number of stages for the specified reflux ratio, depending on which
is entered using Gilliland correlation. It also calculates the optimal feed tray and reboiler
as well as condenser duty. Remember that this model assumes constant molar overflow
and relative volatilities.
Distl model includes a single feed and two products, and assumes constant molar
overflow and relative volatilities. It uses Edmister approach to calculate product
composition. We need to specify a number of stages, e.g. feed location, reflux ratio,
pressure profile and distillate to feed iD/F) ratio. Actually, when all the data are
provided, we can use this column model to verify the product results.
RadFrac is a rigorous fractionating column model that can handle any number of
feeds as well as side draws. It has a wide variety of appUcations, such as absorption,
stripping, ordinary distillation, extractive and azeotropic distillation, reactive distillation, etc.
MultiFrac is usually employed for any number of fractionating columns and any
number of connections between the columns or within the columns. It has the ability to
simulate the distillation columns integrated with flash towers, feed furnaces, side
107

Copyrighted material
108 PROCESS SIMUKATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

strippers, pumparrounds, etc. This rigorous column model can be used as an alternative
of PetroFrac, especially when the configuration is beyond the capabilities of PetroFrac .

As mentioned earlier, SCFrac is a shortcut column model. It simulates a distillation

unit connected with a single feed, multiple products and one optional stripping steam .

It is used to model refinery columns, such as atmospheric distillation unit (ADU) and
vacuum distillation unit (VDU).
PetroFrac is commonly employed to fractionate a petroleum feed. This rigorous model
simulates the refinery columns, such as ADU, VDU, fluidized-bed catalytic cracking (FCC)
fractionator, etc., equipped with a feed furnace, side strippers, pumparounds and so on.
RateFrac is a rate-based nonequilibrium column model employed to simulate all
types of vapour-liquid separation operations, such as absorption, desorption and
distillation. It simulates single and interlinked columns with tray type as well as packed
type arrangement.
BatchFrac is a rigorous model used for simulating the batch distillation columns. It
also includes the reactions occurred in any stage of the separator. BatchFrac model
does not consider column hydraulics, and there is negligible vapour holdup and constant
liquid holdup.
It is worthy to mention that for detailed information regarding any built-in Aspen
Plus model, select that model icon in the Model Library toolbar and press Fl.
In this chapter, we will simulate different distillation models, including a petroleum
refining column, using the Aspen Plus software. Moreover, an absorption column will
be analyzed. In addition to the steady state simulation the process optimization will
,

also be covered in the present study.

3 .2 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF THE BINARY DISTILLATION

COLUMNS

32 1
. . Simulation of a DSTWU Model

Problem statement

A feed stream, consisting of 60 mole% ethane and 40 mole% ethylene enters a DSTWU
,

column having a flow rate of 200 Ibmol/hr at 750F and 15 psia This feed is required to
.

fractionate in a distillation column capable of recovering at least 99 6% of the light key

.

component in the distillate and 99 9% of the heavy key component in the bottoms. The
.

sample process operates at 300 psia with zero tray-to-tray pressure drop The pressure
.

in the reboiler as well as condenser is also 300 psia In the simulation, use total
.

30 theoretical stages (including condenser and reboiler) and a total condenser Applying .

the RK-Soave property method simulate the column and calculate the minimum reflux
,

ratio, actual reflux ratio minimum number of stages actual number of stages, and
,
,

feed location.

Simulation approach
From the desktop select Start button and then click on Programs, AspenTech, Aspen
,
,

Engineering Suite Aspen Plus Version and Aspen Plus User Interface. Then choose
,

Template option in the Aspen Plus Startup dialog and hit OK (see Figure 3 1). .
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODKUS 109

Q\a\m -I -I |r| <ri q-r-mi .l-Kl!d 2) I I l gj J -

I ' l-l-l I- 1 1 -
I I ! 1-1

FIGURE 3.1

Select General with English Units as the next window appears (see Figure 3.2).

.
4./
MM
-
Hi . -

...

mm ...

__
l

FIGURE 3.2

C aterial
110 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

Again press OK to see the Connect to Engine dialog (see Figure 3.3). Here we choose
T,ocal PC by scrolling down. Hit OK knob and move on to develop the process flow diagram .

Connect to Engine a
Server type:

User Info

Node name:

User name:

Password:

Working directory:

Save as Default Connection

( OK 1 Exit Help

FIGURE 3.3

Creating flowsheet
As we select Columns tab in the bottom Model Library toolbar (Figure 3 4), Aspen Plus .

shows all built-in column models.

«a 6t Mr- 0*s locii Rfi Rewhart Ltrary Wxto- H«fc>

Model Library toolbar

StftEAMS 1 DiTVU Ci-J R»fEjJikI M tfug Sffru PWtrf.te Rurf- Bwctfi -

FIGURE 3.4
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OK DISTILLATION MODELS 111

In the next, select DSTWU icon to represent the short-cut distillation process.
Once we have selected the icon, place the icon on the lowsheet by clicking with the

f
cross-hair somewhere on the lowsheet background. When inished, click on K | symbol

f
or ight-click on the lowsheet background. By default, the column is named as Bl
r

f
(see Figure 3.5).

i\n 'amiami I
Hi tM Dn <oaa 'hr nrann lw -«

Dfagyai aial id g] aififci K!--! "i i |m| ! v\ *\

r|rrFf,.|..|..h HT 'MPl I Bl -fW

UJ -
iT
_

-
CH
"SAW. ' DIIMI Out "*l<m 1M MtfMi IW l*. ..
i c-.i C- a'aMAcwi a IM AM ru- MMC*

FIGURE 3.5

In the screen, shown in Figure 3.5. only the block is displayed; there are no incoming
and outgoing streams connected with the block. Therefore, the Status message in the
bottom right of the window includes Flowsheet Not Complete. Interestingly, after
connecting all required streams with the unit, this message sometime may also be
retained. This happens because of improper flowsheet connectivity.
To add a single feed stream and two product outlets (distillate and bottom), click on
Material STREAMS tab in the lower left-hand corner. As we move the cursor
(a crosshair) onto the process lowsheet, suddenly three red arrows and one blue arrow
f

appear around the block. These arrows indicate places to attach streams to the block.
As we know, red arrows are required ports and blue arrows are optional ports. Click
once on the connection point between the feed stream and the DSTWU block, enlarge
the feed line and finally click again. By default, this stream is labelled as 1. In the
similar fashion, we can add the two product streams, namely 2 and 3, to the distillation
unit (see Figure 3.6).

Copyrighted malarial
112 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

He EA V«* data Tooti Rr. FtowtfiM Ut-av Wtxfaw H«to

rlRFi-|...httt lT 1 irol I - lal 1

~

0 -

&

Ul . J
filf Mewt/SpUeu 1 Stpaatai | HwlEMhangwt Criumn* j ReKloit | PrwawOiangsi | MsripuWwi | SoW« | UMtMwWt j

STREAMS ' DSTWU Dntl Rrfisc EntisO Mutftw; SCFiac PeOoFi Ratrf.ac BWchFiac

Book rflOflCfcrJ-

FIGURE 3.6

After renaming Stream 1 to F, Stream 2 to D, Stream 3 to B and Block Bl to

DSTWU, the flowsheet finally looks like Figure 3.7.

fte EiJI «ew OKa Tocti f**i fte«h«i Uxsy Wndm. H-t

MiBl alal lei 1 ni-rlftl Nkl H li! -

0 O

E -

STREAMS
'
DSVM Rrf(»e E**d MtAffc SCfttc PMcfiae RjuF.ic Eatctfr
.. , - ~r IR Wfc. nR*!!!
. MUM TW*o
'

.
Vn fco- I Qw i W l- O il W l UN T * || A -a .
FIGURE 3.7
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 113

Now the Status bar in the window, shown in Figure 3.7, says Required Input
Incomplete indicating that the lowsheet is complete and the input specifications are

f
required to provide using available input forms for running the Aspen simulator.

Configuring settings
Recall that within the Aspen simulation software, the simplest way to find the next
step is to use one of the following equivalent commands:

(a) press the Next button

(b) ind 'Next' in the Tools menu
f

(c) use shortcut key F4

and obtain Figure 3.8.

mF-M-i-i nr 'i -ici \-\m

0 -

c-Q-

D«pr, rce rout to**'

3 I

HmnnUBmt | VwMdi | HMUOwpn fil | Rmckb | Pm*j*0««Bi | Mar«i«Mn | iota | UwMolM

STRUMS ' DSrwU Pit Wi we 1*1 tOit WtwT Warfwe jtjjjg

| *,0-H-» Wot I tJO t ttoM I <]OmH»1 Mnw |aj<i»Otto»»« || AvxfV S~ Ql'f. t*9t

FIGURE 3.8

Hitting OK on the above message, we obtain the setup input form. Alternatively,
select Solver Settings knob and choose Setup /Specifications in the list on the left
(see Figure 3.9).
Although optional, it is a good practice to ill out the above form with a title and to
f

provide the accounting information subsequently. The present project is titled as

'
Simulation of a Shortcut Distillation Column' (see Figure 3.10).
114 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN
Sid
oltflBl A t Nel tfl rahclfc l lwl n J 21 JiJilJ zJ 2l J ©1
_
L r i-i
_
rv 'I -ipi i w

I "'M'.

'
SintMC WIMAJ Cxi Brf.K MiJtfue 5Ct'«c Pk. i ftttrfii Brf.»f«:

FIGURE 3.9

3Mbl JMlJiilF Bid LJ

_
J W«w

i (Mi

" -

I 3
= 3 EOCsn.C«n

'*
,
7 '*"' I ""I 1 -TO- I Mrow<w I Sold: t UtvUaMt (

FIGURE 3 10 .

In the next (see Figure 3 11) the Aspen Plus accounting information (required
.

some installations) are given in the following way.

User name: AKJANA
Account number: 9
Project ID: ANY ID
Project name: YOU CHOOSE
 ASPEN PLUS'" SIMUI-ATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 115

.
l\ I r",

9 -

'

3f
a) -.
a mi

5!

) MB I - - - I

1 nlVI M (M* <M»_ fMa WlB Ir- .

FIGURE 3.11

We may wish to have stream results summarized with mole fractions and/or some
other basis that is not set by default. For this, we can use Report Options under Setup
folder. In the subsequent step, open Stream sheet and then choose 'Mole' fraction basis.
In this regard, a sample copy is shown in Figure 3.12. although this is not essential for
the present problem.

i-d 3-J-itiiJa.ii

0 -»

P <* ' i PBS .* luiTi 3

1 .«*>*>

FIGURE 3.12
116 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTRQLUSING ASPEN

Specifying components
Use the Data Browser menu tree to navigate to the Components/Specifications/
Selection sheet (see Figure 3.13).

«t W DM T«ii ft*. PW tto¥ i HHP

. . .
-

. :

1 J

ComiKifun" WTO FamO)

Caww*iD

.
5 Drill-id!

Uyr-End Pmpoti

rHudocariiMW

ti aeehi

iO II SiiKi ait to tr rMneved Itom dsiatw* J. erte< C<m(rt<*fK Haw « f om-ia SteHdp
O ,

[if Mtw SpUen | S«p»*« | HealEttJiWBen Cohmnt } flwcto« 1 P-essueO owt | MwpuWWi | Sate | UraM«W. j

STREAMS 1 OSTWJ Drti ErtaO Mutfrac

'
- U * PatftFi ? Rahjiac BalchFrae
Sr«*,B«.ft
-

r:siHa-Ai>i,ivini1

FIGURE 3.13

In the window, shown in Figure 3.13, the table has four columns; they are under
the headings oi Component ID, Type, Component name and Formula. Among them, the
Type is a specification of how an Aspen software calculates the thermodynamic
properties. For fluid processing of organic chemicals, it is generally suitable to use
Conventional optiom Remember that component ID column should be filled out by the
user. A Component ID is essentially an alias for a component It is sufficient to use the .

chemical formulas or names of the components as their IDs On the basis of these .

component IDs, Aspen Plus may spontaneously fill up the Type Component name and
f T haPPen' * that AsPen Plu« to find an eXaCt
,

mateh in
lt}lhrATyin °*er words A«Pen Plus does not recognize the components by
0 0 Search the components Select the components from
'

T86 fj!? .

in

Subsectiri 3 detaiIs See the solution aPProach '

IDs
(see lfir COmPonent hane and ethylene, as thefr
3.14). ThefootherT
6 0f
(see Figure three columns have been automatically filled out. i

Specifying property method

tZSlTjiT j11'1!!?68 I?0118 meth0ds *** mod to compute the phy

0ht th? Pr0Perty input f0rm er hit Next icon or choos
e

Pron l i2cations in the left pane of the Data Browser window

Propernes/Specif .
'

.
Set RK-Soave
property method by scrolling down (see Figure 3.15).
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OK DISTILLATION MODELS 117

..i-j ;
3 .

FIGURE 3.14

3S3
Plata l I wi Qb3Mslllid5d 3
I r-l I..|-f7 .: .id ! '« -It
zsjti D»ld -3l alig|g|
» BS aJ
9 -

i ! r
-

FIGURE 3.15

Specifying stream information

The Streams /F/Input / Specifications sheet appears with the Data Browser menu tree
in the left pane (see Figure 3.16). Here, we have to provide the values for all state
variables (temperature, pressure and total flow) and composition (component mole
fractions).

Copyrighted material
118 PROCESS SIMULATION ANnCO TROLJ-JSING ASPEN'

Ffe til '. Tut. Teal, r-m FW limy Wr*« H*

i r - I .i-l rv . j J-Igl M.
mm m

.
J PltKTMM 21
-

a) enjr,h«»caa r f THWIE
|pmtu«
-
-
:

RK£6'J1 ;
l
nrtxu i

ri UNKK Owe-
rj um(KO j>(
m i

1
111' if

1 MJflK SCFlK PWoF E.- --" B-r*f,»-

5TR£JWS 1 DSTWU - < -

FIGURE 3.16

Filling out the form, shown in Figure 3.16, with the data given in the problem
statement, one obtains the data, shown in Figure 3.17.

.
He Ed! Vc« tata Took fe> FM Ltrary M*km -i*

3Mi
.
J/) sT»*r. M«hoC ] EOOpbora |

Conmotnon
-

g , - .-
| Mole f-*: 3r
h Corrconan
2
-

|Pini«o IS
RXSBU-1
[is 04

RKTKUI

Q E*anM*To-is

1J «.

.
_
j «.w

lew [T

ll _

-
o ~*

SIB6W6 : bStWU
i
J- «
.
! »2l

FIGURE 3 17 .

Specifying block information

ia wDianKtblock in Sfn t under Blocks folder. As a result.
put form is displayed (see Figure 3.18).
f
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 119

FIGURE 3.18

Under Column specifications option, here we enter the number of stages that is 30.
It is fairly true that we can alternatively specify the reflux ratio when the number of
stages is asked to compute. Note that ethylene is the light key and naturally ethane is
the heavy key. As mentioned in the problem statement, recovery of the light key
component in the distillate (= moles of light key in the distillate/moles of light key in
the feed) is 0.996 and recovery of the heavy key component in the distillate (= moles of
heavy key in the distillate/moles of heavy key in the feed) is 0.001. In addition, the
pressure of the total condenser and reboiler is given as 300 psia. Entering all these
information, one obtains the result, shown in Figure 3.19.

i f -
l-l t' -

1 I
f

,,

--
|

- o
-

FIGURE 3.19

CopynghlGd material
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 119

FIGURE 3.18

Under Column specifications option, here we enter the number of stages that is 30.
It is fairly true that we can alternatively specify the reflux ratio when the number of
stages is asked to compute. Note that ethylene is the light key and naturally ethane is
the heavy key. As mentioned in the problem statement, recovery of the light key
component in the distillate (= moles of light key in the distillate/moles of light key in
the feed) is 0.996 and recovery of the heavy key component in the distillate (= moles of
heavy key in the distillate/moles of heavy key in the feed) is 0.001. In addition, the
pressure of the total condenser and reboiler is given as 300 psia. Entering all these
information, one obtains the result, shown in Figure 3.19.

i f -
l-l t' -

1 I
f

,,

--
|

- o
-

FIGURE 3.19

CopynghlGd material
 120 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPKN'

Running the simulation

The Status message includes Required Input Complete indicating that we are in a positio n
to run the simulation. Simply press Next button and receive a message regarding th e
present status (see Figure 3.20).

fiT TTJ

[30 jgi i Cm*

Jj UkifIC Gkc fioW I ]300
KiHictoipooert
.
s*.
Com [ETMYLEHE
Smm

itjucioMtiTCienpu Totftw- x*npu «fccC*wM tt*n

flBMy: [0 0C1
E0V»Mblw
_

33 Dsmni
a -
Q Be-* C-pua-i
Mb

STRWMS

FIGURE 3.20

Click OK on the above message and obtain the Control Panel window that shows
the progress of the simulation (see Figure 3 21). .

F»» Efe «« £to T«* An iMy -AWto* -

H*

]aj®iJ i£ll w| KHIMKI h>\ 0 >Nh| *i lacal

-

*bs atrsitrro rkx sot iabli taw

-
EH

HUM

fit -. I

FIGURE 3.21
 ASPEN PLUS SIMU1.ATI0N OF DISTILLATION MgggUj 121
Hitting Next followed by OK, we have the Run Status screen (see Figure 3.22).

_
i r -i
_
rr .i.ipi i ibi
-

.
f

HMtf
mutt WIWW (M fMF(« iMMO *fik SOik i*rfi«
f

HH-'Ifci '*. .

FIGURE 3.22

Viewing results
In the next, select Blocks/DSTWU/Results rom the Data Browser. In the following
f

(Figure 3.23), we get the answers as:

Minimum reflux ratio = 7.724
Actual reflux ratio = 8.751

Minimum number of stages = 33.943

Actual number of stages = 67.887
Feed location = 40.417

Save the work by choosing File I Save As /... in the menu list on the top. We can name the
ile whatever we like. Remember that a backup ile (*.bkp) takes much less space than
f

a normal Aspen Plus documents ile (*.apw).

f

Viewing input summary

If we wish to have the input information, press Ctrl + Alt + I on the keyboard or select
Input Summary from the View pulldown menu (see Figure 3.24).

Copyrtghtod material
 122 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

dim
-
-
i 'j-i
.

I r..|-M= IT -i .iai, I ibi

i a SH

r
-

1S?497652

»3*J12.;3 Br.il.
-

ifM IM|NMM f

0399
HE IP

STREAMS DSmj OaK Hrf.K F M HJtfiflC SCR PeMFmc Wtfwc BteW,*

sti| s
'

_
I Oa j-WWtW Awcn PIl» - Static Q G9«

FIGURE 3.23

'
lalxt
i Edi Font \kB '

irpuc SuwMry creic«d by Aspen Plus Bel. 11 .

1 at 10:15:40 Tho Jol 12, 2007
Directory c:\Pr09ran f nes'.Aspenrechvworklng foIi
working FoldersVupen plus 11.1
.
Fllenw c :\users\4kjana\AppMt«\Local\Te«p- ap6336. trt
~

[TITLE 'SinulatiorL of 3 Shortcut Cist Illation column'

I-UNITS EPXC

Ikf-STREjWS COMVEW ALL

bescfiiPTiON -
Central simulation with Eoallih units :
F. psl, Ib/hr Ibool/hr, Btu/hr. coft/hr.
,

property Method: nort

Flow basis for Input: Mole

Strea* report composition: HoU flow

PSOP-SDUSCES PUHEll

C0KPOMEKTS
ETHANE C2H5 /
ElKfLEKE C2H>

PROPERTIES Pk-SOAVE

PROP-OATA RirSKD-l
IH-W.ITS ENC
PROP-LIST BKSKI3
BPVAL ETHANE ETHYLENE . OlOOMOfriJO
BPVAL ETMYLENE ETHANE .0100000000

iTREW F
S085TRE»t fIXEO TEKP"' 5. PRES-1S t«0LE-FLOW-200 .
.

M016-FRAC ETHANE 0.6 - ETWlENt 0 4 ,

-
»± | <1A
.

.1I.». |Hn««»|.« | Mj ynn | |

FIGURE 3.24

Creating report file

To create a detailed report on the complete work we have done including input ,

summary, stream information, etc., select Export from the File pulldown menu. Then
save the work as a report file (e.g., C/Program Files/AspenTech/Working Folders/Aspen
Plus Version/ DSTWU.rep). In the next, open the saved report file (DSTWU.rep) goingd
through My Computer and finally using a program, such as the Microsoft Office Wor
or WordPad or Notepad. For the present problem, the final report is shown below.
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 123

ASPEN PLUS IS A TRADEMARK OF HOTLINE:

ASPEN TECHNOLOGY, INC. U S A 888/996-7001
. . .

TEN CANAL PARK EUROPE (32) 2/724-0100

CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS 02141
617/949-1000

PLATFORM: WIN32 JULY 12. 2007

VERSION: 11.1 Buiid 192 THURSDAY
INSTALLATION: TEAM EAT .
12:07:22 P.M.

ASPEN PLUS PLAT: WIN32 VER: 11.1 07/12/2007 PAGE I

SIMULATION OF A SHORTCUT DISTILLATION COLUMN

ASPEN PLUS (R) IS A PROPRIETARY PRODUCT OF ASPEN TECHNOLOGY. INC.

(ASPENTECH). AND MAYBE USED ONLY UNDERAGREEMENT WITH ASPENTECH
RESTRICTED RIGHTS LEGEND: USE, REPRODUCTION. OR DISCLOSURE BY THE
U S GOVERNMENT IS SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN
. .

(i) FAR 52.227-14. Alt. Ill, (ii) FAR 52.227-19. (iii) DEARS
252.227-7013(cMl)(ii). or (iv) THE ACCOMPANYING LICENSE AGREEMENT,
AS APPLICABLE. FOR PURPOSES OF THE FAR, THIS SOFTWARE SHALL BE DEEMED
TO BE "UNPUBLISHED" AND LICENSED WITH DISCLOSURE PROHIBITIONS.
CONTRACTOR/SUBCONTRACTOR; ASPEN TECHNOLOGY. INC. TEN CANAL PARK.
CAMBRIDGE. MA 02141.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

RUN CONTROL SECTION

RUN CONTROL INFORMATION
DESCRIPTION

FLOWSHEET SECTION 2
FLOWSHEET CONNECTIVITY BY STREAMS 2
FLOWSHEET CONNECTIVITY BY BLOCKS.. 2
COMPUTATIONAL SEQUENCE 2
OVERALL FLOWSHEET BALANCE 2

PHYSICAL PROPERTIES SECTION 3

COMPONENTS 3

U-O-S BLOCK SECTION i

BLOCK: DSTWU MODEL: DSTWU 4

STREAM SECTION 5
EOF 5

PRORT.RM STATUS RfTnTION

ninr,K STATUS

ASPEN PLUS PLAT-WIN32 VER- 11 1 07/19/9007 PAGF/1

SIMULATION OF A SHORTniTT DISTTT.T.ATION COLUMN
RUN CONTROL SECTION
124 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

RUN CONTROL INFORMATION

THIS COPY OF ASPEN PLUS LICENSED TO

TYPE OF RUN: NEW

INPUT FILE NAME: _

00341ji.inm

OUTPUT PROBLEM DATA FILE NAME: _

00341ji VERSION NO.
1

LOCATED IN:

PDF SIZE USED FOR INPUT TRANSLATION:

NUMBER OF FILE RECORDS (PSIZE) = 0
NUMBER OF IN-CORE RECORDS = 256
PSIZE NEEDED FOR SIMULATION = 256

CALLING PROGRAM NAME: apmain

LOCATED IN: C:\PROGRA~l\ASPENT~l\ASPENP-l l\Engine\xeq
.

SIMULATION REQUESTED FOR ENTIRE FLOWSHEET

DESCRIPTION

GENERAL SIMULATION WITH ENGLISH UNITS : F PSI, LB/HR, LBMOL/HR,

,

BTU/HR, CUFT/HR. PROPERTY METHOD: NONE FLOW BASIS FOR INPUT: MOLE
STREAM REPORT COMPOSITION: MOLE FLOW

ASPEN PLUS PLAT: WIN32 VER: 11.1 07/12/2007 PAGE 2

SIMULATION OF A SHORTCUT DISTILLATION COLUMN
FLOWSHEET SECTION

FLOWSHEET CONNECTIVITY BY STREAMS

STREAM SOURCE DEST STREAM SOURCE BEST

F DSTWU D DSTWU
B DSTWU

FLOWSHEET CONNECTIVITY BY BLOCKS

BLOCK INLETS OUTLETS

DSTWU F DB

COMPUTATIONAL SEQUENCE

SEQUENCE USED WAS:

DSTWU
 ASPEN PLUS SIMUIAT10N OF DISTILLATION MODELS 125

OVERALL FLOWSHEET BALANCE

MASS AND ENERGY BALANCE

IN OUT RELATIVE DIFF.

CONVENTIONAL COMPONENTS (LBMOIVHR)
ETHANE 120.000 120.000 0 000000E+00
.

ETHYLENE 80.0000 80.0000 0 000000E+00

.

TOTAL BALANCE
MOLE( LBMOIVHR) 200.000 200.000 0 000000E+00
.

MASS(LB/HR) 5852.66 5852.66 - 0 155399E-15

.

ENTHALPY(BTU/HR) -0.252753E+07 -0.363687E+07 0 305025

.

ASPEN PLUS PLAT: WIN32 VER: 11.1 07/12/2007 PAGE

SIMULATION OF A SHORTCUT DISTILLATION COLUMN
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES SECTION

COMPONENTS

ID TYPE FORMULA NAME OR ALIAS REPORT NAME

ETHANE C C2H6 C2H6 ETHANE
ETHYLENE C C2H4 C2H4 ETHYLENE

ASPEN PLUS PLAT: WIN32 VER: 11.1 07/12/2007 PAGE 4

SIMULATION OF A SHORTCUT DISTILLATION COLUMN
U-O-S BLOCK SECTION

BLOCK: DSTWU MODEL: DSTWU

INLET STREAM: F
CONDENSER OUTLET: D
REBOILER OUTLET: B
PROPERTY OPTION SET: RK-SOAVE STANDARD RKS EQUATION OF STATE

MASS AND ENERGY BALANCE

IN OUT RELATIVE DIFF.

TOTAL BALANCE
MOLE( LBMOIVHR) 200.000 200.000 0 000000E+00
.

MASS( LB/HR) 5852.66 5852.66 -

0 155399E-15
.

ENTHALPY(BTU/HR) -0.252753E+07 -0.363687E+07 0.305025

* * INPUT DATA *** .

HEAVY KEY COMPONENT ETHANE
RECOVERY FOR HEAVY KEY 0.00100000
LIGHT KEY COMPONENT ETHYLENE
RECOVERY FOR LIGHT KEY 0.99600
TOP STAGE PRESSURE (PSI) 300.000
BOTTOM STAGE PRESSURE (PSI) 300.000
 1"
126 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

NO. OF EQUILIBRIUM STAGES 30.0000

DISTILLATE VAPOUR FRACTION 00
.

* ** RESULTS ***

DISTILLATE TEMP. (F) -18.3114

BOTTOM TEMP. (F) 20.4654
MINIMUM REFLUX RATIO 7.72431
ACTUAL REFLUX RATIO 8.75092
MINIMUM STAGES 33.9434
ACTUAL EQUILIBRIUM STAGES 67.8868
NUMBER OF ACTUAL STAGES ABOVE FEED 39.4169
DIST. VS FEED 0.39900
CONDENSER COOLING REQUIRED (BTU/HR) 3,034,310.
NET CONDENSER DUTY (BTU/HR) -3,034,310.
REBOILER HEATING REQUIRED (BTU/HR) 1,924,980.
NET REBOILER DUTY (BTU/HR) 1,924,980.

ASPEN PLUS PLAT: WIN32 VER: 11.1 07/12/2007 PAGE

SIMULATION OF A SHORTCUT DISTILLATION COLUMN
STREAM SECTION

BDF

STREAM ID B D F
FROM: DSTWU DSTWU
TO : DSTWU

SUBSTREAM: MIXED
PHASE: LIQUID LIQUID VAPOUR
COMPONENTS: LBMOL/HR
ETHANE 119.8800 0 1200
. 120.0000
ETHYLENE 0 3200
. 79.6800 80.0000
COMPONENTS: MOLE FRAC
ETHANE 0 9973
. 1 5038-03
. 0 6000
.

ETHYLENE 2 6622-03
. 0 9985
. 0 4000
.

TOTAL FLOW:
LBMOL/HR 120.2000 79.8000 200.0000
LB/HR 3613.7256 2238.9320 5852.6576
CUFT/HR 140.3489 82.0590 7 5963+04
.

STATE VARIABLES:
TEMP (F) 20.4654 -

18.3114 75.0000
PRES (PSI) 300.0000 300.0000 15.0000
VFRAC 00 00
.
. 1 0000
.

LFRAC 1 0000
. 1 0000
. 00
.

SFRAC 00 00
.
. 00
.

ENTHALPY:
BTU/LBMOL -
4 1532+04
.
1 6983+04
.
-
1 2638+04
.
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 127

BTU/LB -
1381.4403 605.3231 -
431.8608
BTU/HR - 4 9921+06
.
1 3553+06
.
-
2 5275+06
.

ENTROPY:
BTU/T.RMOL-R -
58.6713 -
30.5758 -
28.8269
BTU/LB-R -
1 9515
.
-
1 0898
.
-
0 9851
.

DENSITY:
LBMOiyCUFT 0 8564
.
0 9725
.
2 6329-03
.

LB/CUFT 25.7482 27.2844 7 7046-02

.

AVGMW 30.0643 28.0568 29.2633

ASPEN PLUS PLAT: WIN32 VER: 11.1 07/12/2007 PAGE 6

SIMULATION OF A SHORTCUT DISTILLATION COLUMN
PROBLEM STATUS SECTION

BLOCK STATUS

* *

*
Calculations were completed normally *
*
All Unit Operation blocks were completed normally *
« *

*
All streams were lashed normally *
f

« #

322
. . Simulation of a RadFrac Model

Problem statement

We will continue the above problem with few modifications. A hydrocarbon stream,
consisting of 60 mole% ethane and 40 mole% ethylene, enters a RadFrac column having
a low rate of 200 Ibmol/hr at 750F and 15 psia. The distillation process that has total
f

68 theoretical stages (including condenser and reboiler) and a total condenser operates
at 300 psia with zero pressure drop throughout. The distillate rate, reflux ratio and
feed tray location are given as 79.8 Ibmol/hr, 8.75 (mole basis) and 41 (above-stage),
respectively. Consider the RK-Soave property method.
(a) Simulate the column and compute the compositions of top as well as bottom
products.
(b) Is there any discrepancy in product compositions obtained rom RadFrac and
f

DSTWU columns? If yes, what is the main reason?

Note: In the comparative study (for part b), consider total 68 theoretical stages (including
condenser and reboiler) keeping other entered data unchanged for the DSTWU column
(see Subsection 3.2.1).

Simulation approach
(a) Start with the General with English Units Template, as shown in Figures 3.25(a)
and 3.25(b).
128 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

I I

FIGURE 3.25(a)

Click OiiTin the screen, shown in Figure 3.25(b). When the Connect to Engine dialog
pops up, again press OK button to obtain a blank Process Flowsheet Window.

FIGURE 3.25(b)

Creating flowsheet
Among the built-in columns in the Model Library of Aspen Simulator select RadFrac
,

and place it in the flowsheet window
streams with the distillation column
all streams, finally we get Figure 3 26.
.
.Connecting feed, distillate and bottom product
,
and changing the default names of the block and
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 129

r|gf7-| .|..|' pr .
1 -tCi i iw IH

t 13 0

sne»fi muu am im mj** ujw

- J r- -
<

FIGURE 3.26

Configuring settings
In the subsequent step, simply hit Afet button followed by OK to open a setup input
r

form. These two windows, shown in Figures 3.27(a) and (b), include the Global and
Accounting information for the present project.

. % fa M» Dm tM» * imh n m n*

9 i"-
- . I - 11 - I
9

i ii
-
3 >- w.

0 -

ITOf Mr. '

MIUU Da oM IM*a «0<a Narfw ..McfiAB
t

FIGURE 3.27(a)

Copyrighted material
130 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

JaglHl :| Mftl yJ nWkfoKM 1 til .]J_nJ juJ 1 1 ill

Skv

iwi-s«i

O MET US YOU UKE

O METCfiAR
fl METCMGCM

f> 5V-C6AH

Sttwrnf

v a
*
Flo»*e«bftg Opbon*
ft-1 a MoM ,1-! Took
4 Gfl

i 2Jil

STREAMS DSTWU Dim Rrft«c E- ad Muffnc SCFfac PaBcfiae Ratftac Batetfrac

farHaip.pMn

| .si) Chapter 3 ttowJWcri | 4]Q>«pMf2-lto«rfi Wtrt H A xn Pkj. - SM«i . fi'"

FIGURE 3.27(b)

In the Setup/Report Options / Stream sheet select ,

ole' as well as 'Mass' fraction
basis as shown in Figure 3.28.

.: fib b« on To* n« u»v rnvhw Hdp

r Uhv R 1 >IB3|- . { lal

0 Becwrt Opdcro UMbl'1 -I -3>>JialajNil
i G«mi4 I Ftatt««t j Btaek Vsi»m} Proper j ADA |

; H«MtebancUWinsD««nMpwl
Ffaubwit FiMjonbMa ShWDfamM -

j f? Mote P Moio ; tff- [geTTe

r mm ' P S»S Iff Si«ndsd(BOoctant
'

T SUHovcAjw r SUi viAm ; r WUaPBcoUw)

i jjj Bock. _ 1 P SoK-rewatfwwKw*
K ConpoAMvAweftMoftKlnn

Wo«tWu.iartwiw*

MOM
* tWSrtten | S Mtatt | HMEwhangm

SIRCMC <i-t-o:-§-iv-(i..#.c-r-
' DSTMl
DSTMJ fag Arf E*ao. SCf >1>rf fl .ac e IK

FIGURE 3.28
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 131

Specifying components
In the list on the left, choose Components /Specifications to define the components.
Using the component names, ethane and ethylene, as their IDs, we obtain the filled
table as shown in Figure 3.29.

=W 54 *» :«> T FV« itun Wr*s-

r-i-i-i
-
i .w
-
i -igi *m

3a !«
Mn*

;lrM*N£ cats
. IHYUNC

>

O si

o ,.
-

Pttrfnc R«rfW:: B«ct#.*;

FIGURE 3.29

Specifying property method

From the Data Browser select Specifications under Properties folder and then set RK-
,

Soave base method to compute the physical properties (see Figure 3 30). .

' Fit CM

0|<*|H| - ;
>I>'.|--|T »MBJ|v
.
mrai J «J|a.

3
B«i«»a(tw6 fflr.SOAVt
.
- - r 1 J

OwoCTylO j

IJ .

It

5T««)J ' OSTWU

FIGURE 3.30
132 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

Specifying stream information

Use the Data Browser menu tree to navigate to the Streams /F/Input / Specifications
sheet. Inserting the given values for the feed stream, Figure 3.31 is obtained.
r
-
itfi>t|

3EfSiF -q l-li Fi-Hid QUIH

3 |m* dr

it ,

(200 jbrt*.

1j

1 Hm(t jr r: CMlma | FtMcicn | RMMfOungett | Htrie-Mm \ SiteJ UtftKoM |

Ejiki Mulfia: SCFlK FmfiK PmfiiK 9*0*1*:

FIGURE 3.31

Specifying block information

In the left pane of the Data Browser window select Blocks/RADFRAC/Setup. Fill up ,

the Configuration sheet as shown in Figure 3 32. .

Sa To* Rn Pa tfea/ WMw Help

I r.-.|-.i-l fT Nv i 11] isN

3
g BO VMbki

a «*

H*o4erHcuv*i
7]F 1 ?98 (trrotA,

O Dwt i

Ha
-

FIGURE 3.32
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 133

Under Setup subfolder, the filled Streams sheet looks like Figure 3.33.

. i 'to 1 « «!«.;

> | | MB I M»» |

- it r

FIGURE 3.33

In the next, simply input 300 psi under Stage 1/Condenser pressure. Aspen simulator
assumes that the column operates isobarically if no additional pressure information is
provided (see Figure 3.34).

IB I' W tl*)

i:.,ir.ir.ii.0.ii'.fi..#.s .j-.

FIGURE 3.34

Running the simulation

To run the simulation, hit Next and then OK to observe the progress of the simulation
in the Control Panel window, shown in Figure 3.35.
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 133

Under Setup subfolder, the filled Streams sheet looks like Figure 3.33.

. i 'to 1 « «!«.;

> | | MB I M»» |

- it r

FIGURE 3.33

In the next, simply input 300 psi under Stage 1/Condenser pressure. Aspen simulator
assumes that the column operates isobarically if no additional pressure information is
provided (see Figure 3.34).

IB I' W tl*)

i:.,ir.ir.ii.0.ii'.fi..#.s .j-.

FIGURE 3.34

Running the simulation

To run the simulation, hit Next and then OK to observe the progress of the simulation
in the Control Panel window, shown in Figure 3.35.
134 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

n* E# M«m Dal* Toch ft* Utrvy WMdaw M*.

I l"l "li-dail 4;|
l i-.i T ai Jfilp
~

_.
iJ -

- * Hao«Miafl input «p«cl<tCiti.4B* ...

Ml JSTftllVtO fSON 3 Or tABLt IAELE tIAJa - KJWSTD

owpotatiom owata ro> tmi jiowshmt;

-
>C«lcaJ.«ttQn» t»«in . . .

Block: aAcrajkC «<mui raofsac

IS LOHM THM( JTXGJ *1 MKMVM D.7O*i«*07 (H/SSW1

Coif/«cg*nfi» iearttlOK*:
01 KL IL Sce/Tol
ill Eo.oas
a i j U.m
J 13 7.oc«a
4 1 « i.73*fr
.
5 .
i : i o.i6a»7i-ai

lli>ra»l

STREAMS PSTWU Dirf Radfw , lAaci MUtfxic; SCFuw fahoFrac Ratrffac Batetfrac __
_

FIGURE 3.35

Viewing results
Click on Solver Settings followed by Results Summary and Streams, we have the table,
shown in Figure 3.36, accompanying the results of all individual streams. Save the
work in a folder as a ile.
f

j He Ed) Urn Curt TooU Ron Plot Ifinry WndoM l-<*

JjlJ 121 1 1*1

_
da)
3Mbl ±l±l«jPi-H JMaljjj

3 Sii.i»I«e|

J CcnvOotcm
1 i i
" 1

l»316 8 078 7*1154

J982 13i5 752(1
|te.fr«:
OS* Um 0517
"

TTfhUNE QOQi 0995 0383

ComOnta

tiHiilt 11371! 120«(«

'

CTHYIENC 0498 73512 man)

EIHAHE 0 336 bou oeao

EIHYUNE 00M 03»

- cx.magttgicffTr-wi

FIGURE 3.36
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 135

Viewing input summary

Select Input Summary rom the View dropdown menu to obtain all input information

f
of the present problem (see Figure 3.37).

ire«.i uiu-y itHin bv up*- »lia .>. It.I « ll.'S'l* Sal ).i 11, 00'
Olr.ciory I Pro m (tin -Oin! .s't-t .ic.r Hut II. 1

Tin* 'SII»l1»T*("i .* UlM'M ts'w*

I-IIUVI CVfllD ILL

.ccolvi.ii>o xcow-io .Mie'-io-un 10 t

cavit 'i-. ill- - '- i-.'iM' .. :, ;

a. B»«. fV*r> ll-al Kr. Hh.Vt , c H.O,

Ml> 'w live ">!.

'nrari (oiMitilax: Mil flo"

Miiauas main unimi yxio- ikkmiu 4

tiHu« ei-» -
rmkM C!"

W'OITl Ultll'l

HWii ill wii:i

CfWuM EIMK .oio»Xo<»:

MCKMI VMB VMIK fi "IWl, ««ll "iw-.'OC.

1 . ..

FIGURE 3.37

Results of the RadFrac column

TABLE 3.1

Composition (mole fraction)

Component B D

ethane 0 996
.
0 004
.

ethylene 0 004
.
0 99G
.

Results of the DSTWU column

TABLE 3.2

Composition (mole raction)

f

Component B D

ethane 0 997
.
0 002
.

ethylene 0 003
.
0 998
.

From Tables 3.1 and 3.2, it is obvious that there is a little difference between the
product compositions. However, the main reason behind this fact is that the RadFrac
performs rigorous calculations, whereas the DSTWU is a shortcut model. Another
possibility is the round-off error associated in the reflux ratio and feed tray position.

Copyrighled malarial
 '
136 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

3 .
3 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF THE MULTICOMPONENT
DISTILLATION COLUMNS

33
. .
1 Simulation of a RadFrac Model
Problem statement

A multicomponent distillation column, specified in Figure 3.38, has total 20 stages

(including condenser and reboiler) with 60% Murphree efficiency. A hydrocarbon feed
mixture enters above tray 10 of the RadFrac column. Apply the Peng-Robinson
correlation and consider 120 psia pressure throughout the column.
(a) Simulate the model and calculate the product compositions, and
(b) Produce a Temperature' (0F) vs. 'Stage' plot.

Feed Specifications <

Vapour Distillate Specifications
Flow rate = 100 Ibmol/hr
Flow rate = 50 Ibmol/hr
Temperature = 120F Reflux rate = 125 Ibmol/hr
Pressure = 120 psia
Component Mole%

C3 5
/-C 15
4
n-C4 20
' C5-
25
A?-C5 35

FIGURE 3.38 A flowsheet of a distillation column .

Simulation approach
(a) As we start Aspen Plus from the Start menu or by double-clicking the Aspen
Plus icon on our desktop the Aspen Plus Startup dialog appears (see Figure 3 39).
,
.

Select Template option .

FIGURE 3.39
 VSI'KN I'll 'S SIMl'LATION OF DISTOIATIOM MHHKl.S 137

As Aspen Plus presents the window after clicking OK in Figure 3.39, choose General
with English Units. Then hit OK (see Figure 3.40).

FIGURE 3.40

Click OK when the Aspen Plus engine window is displayed (see Figure 3.40).
Remember that this step is specific to the installation.

Creating flowsheet
At present, we have a blank Process Flowsheet Window. So, we start to develop the
process low diagram by adding a RadFrac column from the Model Library toolbar and
f

drawing the inlet and product streams by the help of Material STREAMS.
Now the process lowsheet is complete. The Status bar in the bottom ight of the
f

screen, shown in Figure 3.41, displays a message of Required Input Incomplete indicating
that input data are required to enter to continue the simulation.

Configuring settings
Hitting Next knob and then clicking OK, we get the setup input form. In Figures 3.42(a)
'

and (b), the Title of the problem ( Simulation of a Multicomponent Column') followed
by the Aspen Plus accounting information (AKJANA/ll/ANY ID/FINE) are provided.
Include the additional items in Report Options/Stream sheet under Setup folder
(see Figure 3.43).

C aterial
 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

fi, 6* v«« rwa To* IVi rk**M ll»»v wn*~ H*

-
CM

STREAMS ' DSm) Diiii Kvfiec E«liacl Muffiac SCFw PelroFiK Hattfims BUchFrac
'

FsrIMs.miFI i cv Rto*>wn»'ii.i ihim

| Chacte3 Wo«<!»W ,[ ]Oi«tcl-lto«tlW.. | Met* Acicla ftcfewl I IMS

FIGURE 3.41

-
|a<xl
* Mi D». To* fo» PW litra unto* H*
.

D|ia|B| |«8| >g| aklaKKM n.| -Ti| ,±jHj | _

jj

mTb fJ Mil iilpi-3 »l oi l H

a aj s«i»

© StvamOast til« :: !|S«wiabor at a MJHcoffponent Colwrr

UiHiflm »««« GMMri
=c ia LWl.-S<h .

O RepalCptom
d
Conmneti
OuQtitanAt |ENG
Prao«t« CONVEN Si
d
rj Rearforj d
Uu...... '
< 1 J
d
r UwfreswAtcataJabm
_
J RaKliSurray

. SetHat,

F M"! ''ll'n ' j40**** I

r
H**£***«"" C«fc«Ba | Raactan | nat«MCIWisin ! ManBii*w i S«U> | UawHaMi )

FIGURE 3.42(a)
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 139

illJIBI I ! c(PJ S fJ- >l»l !-H 3 'I 1*1 i| TJ j J

f
_

I f - l -I-1 fV -1 -iC! i m\ MM
o--

1-1

Hi-a li im MMa wr« -w. t-

FIGURE 3.42(b)

.
i -iff] i 1*1 -iti

- I
5

r .

'

'" '''' aim

FIGURE 3.43

Specifying components
In the left pane of the Data Browser window, select Components /Specifications. Filling
out the Component ID column, we obtain the table as shown in Figure 3.44.

Copynghied material
140 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

mas. :?j 'I

m Do* lock Br. PU Lbtwy Moo- HHp

±J-" - l-l hPT 1 lai .

N
1© ?(«c -

fit SmJalicn 0*:<-i

PROPANE Convert onal fflOPWIE

SOBUfll S06UTAHE C4H10-2
CuBjn Uh*l
0 Papc"
wet* MEmtlBUIiJIt. 9UZ-3
JPCItTWIE

L J-J 6-<J Pro»l»i

r
M CJ NtaOhMcMMMn

Prtcaties

far Help p-eai M

FIGURE 3.44

Specifying property method

In order to define the base property method press Next icon or select Properties/ ,

Specifications in the column at the left side (Figure 3 45). From the Property method .

pulldown menu, select PENG-ROB. This equation of state model is chosen for
thermodynamic property predictions .

das
Ffe E* W Pa W

0|e?|B|
I W
si «lStl
Jt Specficabom

PiopBly method: t modHt

lhUS«s
Ptoctislypw. F
[PEHG-ROe
r
-

ftw-waioi method j -

htufaoampemrti

Qj H-f»)rC<mpj
; . unif«:qw*>! : ChcntbylD j

O GLOBAL

1 (3 Enmaw

1 -ij PramMwi

F
-
CH
STREAMS Pfltefnc P fwt B#etf.K

FIGURE 3.45
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 141

Specifying stream information

In the next, use the Data Browser menu tree to navigate to the Streams /F/Input /
Specifications sheet. Entering the values of all state variables and component mole
fractions, we get this picture (see Figure 3.46).

. ....

I rH-H-F " -IB I'll IW

Ml II- P=!J 3

I2S I-
~

3
f» k 3 ,

& -

3
I 3

' 'U*w 5? !?- Mftg «!-

Ei -*. -~ »
-P-- M= 'O--------

FIGURE 3.46

Specifying block information

Open the Configuration sheet choosing Blocks /RADFRAC in the list on the left. In the
problem statement, the information on number of stages, condenser type, vapour
distillate low rate and reflux rate are given (see Figure 3.47).
f

r£Z3_
3=

'

: 3

. mam

ea
t

. rauv s-.rv, Ma Cm mm «. .*>>

FIGURE 3.47
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 141

Specifying stream information

In the next, use the Data Browser menu tree to navigate to the Streams /F/Input /
Specifications sheet. Entering the values of all state variables and component mole
fractions, we get this picture (see Figure 3.46).

. ....

I rH-H-F " -IB I'll IW

Ml II- P=!J 3

I2S I-
~

3
f» k 3 ,

& -

3
I 3

' 'U*w 5? !?- Mftg «!-

Ei -*. -~ »
-P-- M= 'O--------

FIGURE 3.46

Specifying block information

Open the Configuration sheet choosing Blocks /RADFRAC in the list on the left. In the
problem statement, the information on number of stages, condenser type, vapour
distillate low rate and reflux rate are given (see Figure 3.47).
f

r£Z3_
3=

'

: 3

. mam

ea
t

. rauv s-.rv, Ma Cm mm «. .*>>

FIGURE 3.47
142 4 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

In the subsequent step, specify the feed tray location in the Streams sheet as shown
in Figure 3.48.

fl. Ml D«i T«* ft* PW Uom* VMcm N*

CJ

.
31 P«p 3«.
Q
flow

i rj dv
20 Um4

S .
t . .
9 , '
0- RADFRAC

Hi j j flndxra

* Cj T3<*

SinDWS ! OSTW OiW ft K tm*t MJJ.tc Sgt*e fWuc .

Hwfi»e B*<(W-<«

FIGURE 3.48

Enter the coliunn pressure of 120 psi and get Figure 3 49 .

as shown in the screen.

-1*1 xl

5* pfboi
: f--3

Cj b**<**t
Ci 'jruJACCw
Cj uwff«&o
t cj «~*

Cj

E ( J Vt. j xr-

* CJ .
cj w

_ CJ fearfiMngCkUn

'

!-
f*M* Mfr

FIGURE 3.49

The Blocks/RADFRAC/Efficiencies/Options sheet appears with the Data Browser

menu tree in the left pane To input the Murphree efficiency value for all trays (excluding
.

the condenser and reboiler) we have the screen, shown in Figure 3.50 first.
,
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 143

T He S« <*- Ma Tn* ft* Ft* Un, WMdw 4*

wal _U a|t1«>hNIH!£l 2l jiiiiii J ©i

r.>i..i..|. fT -

I .W I - W jgfel
'

o
Method

« Set*

Jj
0
:j
9
0

p llhMWHcu
Trr. Smg

»
0
0 Gsmaigra
®
0
T' 4
"
1

STf&WS Km) Dha Hvfttc Eiftact Httfrac SCF»ac PdtoFiac Ra<eFt«c :

SalcbFiK

Aspen Phis - 9b.. /- AOeb« tooba j « l: i fM 1S<6

FIGURE 3.50

Press the knob to open the Vapour-Liquid sheet (see Figure 3 51). .

tj He &t Uew Teob Rji Pie! liw/ VAvfcw heb

±Jr~--l h.b HT _ij_iM_J_Ua| M!d

HafaiEn. d±i±li5lPi BidoLaliid
3 yOphOW VoptM-UqilU j 1
O '
-

a '
a
Slartrg Endng

*
-
RSOfRAC

O a.

_
j P*> Sir.)

© Eta««

5-
/Cx- iele

flT <**tmm I I He»L£»-J«wn 1 *-". | Re«a». | l> i«ei>w | Meroiae,. ) Sol* 1 UwHoA*
-
a-»
MeMTiel '
. . -' 5 SEi . n. .... Dj.kT.

FIGURE 3.51

Assume the rectifying along with the stripping zone as Section 1 and fill up the
table
, shown in Figure 3.52.
144 -f PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN1

mmmamm
RU> &H \Aew Dats Tec*

i r-i y i nr am i m

.
-
J <

'
joc*w. St«V9
Ugp
1 19
PAOFRAC
* 1

Mm CM

C vientm hi

Pock Sa j

EMMm

Report
User Suooj-

LiJ_

f -r.
STREAM?

NUM o

Mobetuot* It

FIGURE 3.52

Running the simulation

Hit Afcci button followed by OK and observe the progress of the simulation in
Control Panel window as shown in Figure 3.53.

Fte E* Vtew 0«e To . Run Jbnrf VHvhw

±Jjij
< Loading SlmXat cn Jngtn* lS:61r33 i
D RADFRAC

»;rDC«8»ing Input .p»cif tc»ti =Ti« .

, . .

IHTOUUTTflH
eitJAfly PUJutfOTiRS paru can* set d roa hoo«l SEParrD
mie muivn from scf tasli . xuu kms - lsptste

slock: ftirraxc maids a*cnuc

« esM

1 2195
.

c ;j*4t

Jsasll

f " M«ii<$«aM> II S.O.*..

M«.iJSra»> SeMJtJ. II IMiM
H«<£«»«w
vr- fill
CM I| (Won
Rajrtai || IWnCh n ||
Pa-nOwvn MnuM i

"
V J

STREAMS
'
OSIVAJ
OSTWU Dfl« Rrfwc MJf« iCfiK FWrfnc R ft*: gaafwe

J'j jT«-tfc, i- *

FIGURE 3.53
 ASPEN PLUS SINfULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 145

Viewing results
Click on Solver Settings knob and then choose Results Summary /Streams to obtain the
product compositions (see Figure 3.54).

r-i .i.i>fv -
jci

rl 3'-f 13 "--l
9
_
J
IM Mi
mmf ~
" "

Hi 1 T» TBH
"
«.>* TOB 1 l» . "
J
»*».
-
sin 1
"

rtai-'
-
1|
1 !
Will ue in

TariT ' «« IM

lb i«»
i.«
"
aoni IJH- TIB TM
ntn 1 . a l<» III
Tf«5B 1

f» n hi 1 i I wr mi "in 1 « » hihi I "i |

|
-

<u« eWj M M« C-» Mta ti>« rmt» Km*~

r

. rw » -.«»«* I- .> '..

FIGURE 3.54

It is a good habit to save the work done at least at this moment. If we wish to see
the tabulated results with the process low diagram in a single sheet, simply hit Stream
f

Table button just above the results table (see Figure 3.55).

JMMI .til _!.) a nH-|»l%l<M ») r I i-l .IglJi £j

lisf i -
i -id urn

«-C3-

FIGURE 3.55
146 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

Viewing input summary

As stated previously, to obtain the input information, press Ctrl+Alt+I or select Input
Summary from the View pulldown menu (see Figure 3.56).

imut Su«Hry' cr«««d by Ajp«r Clul R«l. 11-1 it VMM Sun )ul IS, 2007
Dlr«tory c froqriM fil« .AipefiT«ch\**ork1ng Folders Aspen Plus 11.1 Fileniw C
; . userj ijjn* *ppOjt« local T*<Bp -*pt>a cn,

"

tiuC
"

SlBuUllor of a IMdCtCMpMM Colo o

Is-unITS CNG

EXF-STREWS CONVIN ALL

" "

ACCOUMT-INFO ACCOUHT-ll PROJECT-IO-AHY ID PRO JECT-NWI- FINE

'

USE R - HAf E " AK J AH*

"

'

OtStRIPTION
C»n»ral Slaulation wtth English units ;
f, psl. Ib-tv. Itaol/hr. Btu hr. cuft/hr.
property method: none
fIoh basis for Input: Nola
Strcan report cowposlclon: t»ol« fl«

'
AOUEOUS / 50LIOS / INOBGANIC , A

PROP-SOURCES POREll .
aflUEOUS ,' SOLIDS / INORGANIC
CWPOWMTS
PROPAXE ClHS ,'
ISO»U-0l C4HI0-Z ,'
N -«VT-01 CAMlO-l /
2-t«ET-01 CiMl2-2 /
N-PEN-&1 C5H12-1

rSHCET
BLOCK RAOFR.AC IN-F OVT-OV B

PROPERTIES PEMG-ROB

> -DATA PRKIJ-1

IN-UH1TS CPKt
PROP-LiyT PRKI)
BPVAL PROPAME ISOSU-01 -7.BOOOOOOE-3
BPVAL PROPAhE N-BUT-01 3.300000001-3
BPVAL PROPANE 2-MET-01 .0111000000

. tol #
'.
f> " to* t QwpW M I JO IW l lhAJT M- [ wnfta 5 } > AtWwAort* || -APF7EAJ > 1 17a>

FIGURE 3.56

(b) First, choose Blocks /RADFRAC /Profiles in the column at the left side
Accordingly, we have the stage-wise data as shown in Figure 3 57. .

mm J >>j am w
3fl *«- rmi I c 1

Vapofto.

F oawnd
r *j
Tiit
1 tasoU 1 "

B
--
to
3 aj i
'
9TIJ3K?SI 20 i 171 385017

T- t c I 195 3*a»6 20 j
f

20 i
liJnuiiJlii i
;oo 3ra 20 i

201354309 ia i

9 anwsssi }»
lit
n 121) ;:
-
.
.
- i
llJ ||
:iT:;nr-si

fir I HME | Mh | M.UoM |

STntAMS jgwc tW-« H«rf.>i *mtr»C J

FIGURE 3.57
 ASPEN PLUS"" SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 147

In the next, select Plot Wizard from the Plot dropdown menu or press Ctrl + Alt + W
on the keyboard to get Figure 3.58.

I ... '.
1H|_U*1«*) nKW*haMH n I |h| .131.31 _
j

71 .1
. «-
Cj owl-

Welcome to Aspen P!b» net Wlzwdl

| ram

a 'mm
ijte>

!tDM5
I Until-
1

15"
CH
-

MnrtJ D,> tuf<tc MJfac Sg-«c P trf.tc Ralrfrac Bl£tfi»c

FIGURE 3.58

Click on Next button in the Plot Wizard Step 1 dialog and get a variety of plot types ,

shown in Figure 3 59. .

i"l pi a)|

fift
~

g «JI" d»| olaii n>i

-

3 IPFQ | CwvoMora j KVAjW j

To bvn MbM a (W lypo )>ou wh lo omniU

,

.
Q?1!* OowfMto fV**! Mva

'
H4W
,
i
( smvm*

J 51 OK
_
J T.w Sot,
naa
_ j wFodo FkMntln CCCOTHI CQCQS H) Hv4m > BM
- J s- j seisa

«2J!4

Wti*1
1 Join*
1

60 - .

JP""
Pi"
-
CH
'
m& tS» so.. w« fafc.-A»»H.MI NU«
iQVjre 1740

FIGURE 3.59
148 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

Select the plot type under the heading of Temp and press Finish button to obtain a
'
plot of Temperature (0F) vs. 'Stage' (see Figure 3.60).

rinwii-ii

I I J s < i io u £ 15 i« k w tr tt is-a

: it

FIGURE 3.60

Recall that the above plot window can be edited by ight clicking on that window
r

and selecting Properties. Then the user can easily modify the title, axis scale, font and
colour of the plot.

332
. .
Simulation of a PetroFrac Model

Problem statement

An artificial petroleum refining column (PRC), shown in Figure 3.61, consists of a feed
furnace and a distillation tower. The tower has two pumparound circuits, a partial
condenser and three side strippers. The furnace (single stage lash type) operates at
f

25 psia and provides a fractional overflash of 40% (StdVol basis) in the tower. The
outlet stream of the furnace goes to the tower on Stage 22. The tower has 26 stages
with a Murphree stage eficiency equal to 90%. A steam stream, STEAM, is introduced
f

at the bottom of the ractionator (26th stage with on-stage convention). There are another
f

three steam streams, STM1, STM2 and STM3, used in the side strippers. The condenser
runs at 15.7 psia with a pressure drop of 5 psi. The tower pressure drop is equal to
4 psi. The distillate rate is 10000 bbl/day and the distillate vapour fraction in the
condenser is 0.2 (StdVol basis).

Copyrighted malarial
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF EHSTILLATIQM MODELS 149

LIGHTS <

WATER

STMl

sir,-

STM2

BOT

FIGURE 3.61 A lowsheet of a petroleum refining column.

f

A hydrocarbon mixture with the following component-wise low rates enters the

f
furnace at 1170F and 44.7 psia (see Table 3.3).
TABLE 3.3

Component Flow rate (bbl/day)

Ci 3
c2 65
C3 575
i-C4 1820
«-c4 7500
i-C5 30000
n-C5 42000

H2O 250

In Table 3.4, two pumparound circuits and three side strippers are specified.
TABLE 3.4

Loeatum Specifications
Pumparound Draw stage Return stage Flow rate Heat duty
(drawoff type) (bbl/day) (MMBtu/hr)

1 (partial) 8 6 49000 -

40 (for cooling)
2 (partial) 1 12 1000 -
17 (for cooling)
Location

Stripper No. of Stripper Draw Return Stripping Bottom product

stages product stage stage steam flow rate (bbl/day)
1 5 SID1 6 5 STMl 11000
2 4 SID2 12 11 STM2 15000
3 3 SID3 19 18 STM3 8000
1
 150 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

Four steam streams used in the column model are described in Table 3.5.
TABLE 3.5

Specifications 1

Steam stream Location Temperature (0F) Pressure (psia) Flow rate (lb/hr)
STEAM Main tower 350 50 11500
STM1 SID1 stripper 350 50 4000
STM2 SID2 stripper 350 50 1500
STM3 SID3 stripper 350 50 1000

Considering the 'BK10' base method under 'REFINERT process type, simulate the
PetroFrac column and report the flow rates (bbl/day) of all product streams.

Simulation approach
Select Aspen Plus User Interface. When the Aspen Plus Startup dialog appears ,

choose Template and click on OK (see Figure 3.62).

I I I I I I It

Cioata a Utm SmMan Using

A+ f Blank Smiiabon

A+ Temptale

"

OpendnEwiingSimulatior

e*r\ADU BOOK apw

DAeoolAChaptesVAOU OWN xm
D:V0ook\Chap(«sViDU t*{>
.

0«
I

| Adobe Ao-dia P,d«»« I Chace.s W \ 4]Q*i** 2 HmcHW || Av Pka

FIGURE 3.62

As the next window pops up (see Figure 3.63), select Petroleum with English Units
and press OK knob .
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 151

mm
'Mm.
1

linn v-

.
..

L-
EJ J-J

.
. ..

FIGURE 3.63

Click OK when the Connect to Engine dialog appears. The next screen presents a
blank process flowsheet.

Creating flowsheet
Select the Columns tab from the Model Library toolbar. As we expand the PetroFrac
block icon, a variety of models is displayed as shown in Figure 3.64. Select a model
icon and press Fl to know more about that.

rinF. I- I-h HI I .Ml I lal iN

J? if" IT
[1 it Jb Jt
& ir if
ir .
# lb
ft ir Op
tr ffc* c
J 1 -

4
. | turn* t
i> Bp a .

# I .
-

W 11 1

FIGURE 3.64
152 PROCKSS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

As the distillation tower described in the problem statement, it is appropriate to

choose CDUIOF PetroFrac model. Then place it in the flowsheet window. Adding all
incoming and outgoing streams and renaming the streams as well as block, the process
low diagram takes the shape as shown in Figure 3.65.
f

L'Mi- 111" A KM* 1W mm m 31* 1Mb -jM«.

FIGURE 3.65

Configuring settings
Click Next to continue the simulation (see Figure 3.66). In the Title field, enter
'

Simulation of a Petroleum Refining Column'. Open the Accounting sheet keeping

untouched the other global defaults set by Aspen Plus.

t.

r
k
<UbM
-

.
<i.i-?-ir-Q-ii'-i?--i
»»No
.
M - -o- Ut- W»
i.-r
W.

FIGURE 3.66

Copyrlghtf
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 153

In the form, shown in Figure 3.67, the Aspen Plus accounting information are included.

I'M MI | i l"!
1 1 F
-

9 -i*--- I 1 ,1'5-l-Mi-' 3 »\ Q| .i -1

-
9 M Mjri '-c
s
»1 9i<>>

. I"- 1

ITBUM :-1TMj ba 1m .kMnc tOM MXai Mai

FIGURE 3.67

Specifying components
In the subsequent step, use the Data Browser menu tree to navigate to the Components /
Specifications sheet. Filling out the component input form, we have Figure 3.68.

U> ZlgjFi 3 >id A

< P-Bid Lj'i
aTJ*
3 gr 1 i -i;
..

1 7
-

3
T
,
- -
it! T KJETTH tSruT
-

r? f

Lj i-r

tntUM ' wraij a- B i. wo., ip i tw.. *****

FIGURE 3.68
154 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

Specifying property method

We know that the thermodynamic models calculate the properties, such as vapour
liquid equilibrium coefficient, enthalpy and density. In the list on the left shown " ,

Figure 3.69, choose Properties/Specifications to open the property input form In th .

6
Process type field, select 'REFINERY
'

and in the Base method field, select 'BKlO' (Brau

K-10 method).

Ea Tc<* ftr HO th*> .v v t

NBI I I a>|e| ¥?! nlt'lftKKI I >»l ~l i I "I -I *\ I J

I f i i I fV .|:-liS|-. I .:M
1 >hl -3idPy!!il
-

"

ficwtw |Bfni;tFf.

I 3

3
< i-j :

1 aj c v-lu

'

STRUMS KTVM OM fikfiK PtftaPut RatoFiv 8«=rfi«

FIGURE 3.69

Specifying stream information

Next the Streams /FEED /Input/Specifications sheet appears with the Data Browser
menu tree in the left pane Entering the feed data, Figure 3.70 is obtained.
.

D|tfiB| _
iJ e|jgJ njKjfti i-g -i ».i { |h| Miigj .} _
j

Pn zi bJiiif
-

3 »J QN h

n
|
n
b
iei
cs nm

!3J no
i 0.1

w,
1 ED-**

rv
-

D -

""!««' wwi » ., m,,, s «

, t«,« i i*

FIGURE 3.70
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 155

As we hit Next icon, an input form for Stream STEAM opens up. After filling out, it
looks like Figure 3.71 .

* t* V«« D*» T«w fVn PW Marwt VMem

M-i rv -

[ft HuTorCoew 3 | EOOptan |

31

1*0 |r
. F/traBy

£ Mol(Qior Stioam
i: FtranKn
ict
d ia 1
d H

11500
: g ST
E S
S LGHTS
3 SE>1
3 O SlOS
* a
"

Total NlSOO

'

itiputCMeM*
fV MMd iAw. } SwoWort 1 HutEttharpei' Columw j Rwawt j h w O* | M*v niE | S<*t> | U«Modes |

'
STREAMS DSIWU
ntnjl r. .1 Raifitc EntlKl MJtf . SCfiac t)_-.r...
PtfwFrac njj
Bat
-

efiae ._

Bwctjj..
b
fiac
;
NUVI cj/Ki i OTote
- S . * AwnWM t'

FIGURE 3.71

In Figures 3,72(a) (b) and (c), three filled input forms are shown for STM1, STM2
,

and STM3 streams ,

' fitf csk Wew Dm Tooli H i PW Ibtw,

JMI mi
dSfb GPET.r-j Ol l fZi T] Q|.M N>J
"

9
| EOOptm )
j'Aijean n*n*
: I
J to
_

| Ma:-. Flow dl*'

N |f d
.

_
y t- tr-, Minodi
C1
.
_
j d C2
ISO [p.. d -O
_
J 0*3 C4
d - ICI
- 1

cs
NC5
1 J H20

fEEL

tniii

kM Cans,..

i fM-I-8-If'(S'#'C'4
"
-
'

SWUM MTMI
'
MM* (renFI

FIGURE 3.72(a)
156 PROCKSS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

O tn Ua J9J»J
S3 2J 1 SI
_
LiJ pr 1 1 1 jaj «iM
») LJ| | N.|
-

1
EOfJi eini
ApecMicotioo<| FtHhOtfHIni ) 1
l/j Cm<p<mIi BkfcibMmnaiq) fTMIXuT 3 J
31 [mmTfIcm 31"1"'
\m |i zJ 1 '.(.-'/r 1 V**

u,,
.
MdMculitSniaM r "

zl -
DA
'

Mam id
1
ItfalltoM |SUwl id
| |l.H/dv zj cs
»j Steaon
. BIT
. ns 1. J ; m
_
,
.
JH FEED
. LIGHTS

f _
j sin
.
_
, sm
. srew
.
S s '
-

_
stm:
O kvol
RnuU

STREAMS <1 neTiini

DSTWU r
OisH
,.
i -
.
Duc.
Rwftw. c ,_i
Exlud u. c.u
MiAFiac crc.v
SCFisc c .rX,
Pe'.cfi f4v«Fi»: 84ictfi«

Aspen Plus -S

FIGURE 3.72(b)

at:
Rs £c* We* Dae Tc s Fiwi FU : lAray VNVid&B
"

'

"

3M 5 [ g rg \ \ u j | n>|
~

/S(»cifiwrtton»j FlaihOpwn: | EOOfton: |

"

SLtsdeamr me jyMIXED 3 I
| Frcc et
~

3 K'**-
|3» 1- Vdue

:t
|p, ,. d
|SD If. zi
--

3fl C4
ISidvcJ d riC4

901
1 d CS
£ J BIS
1 J
-

HA-i
i
a FEED
S ij LN5HTS
s _
j sm
g i SID2
._

j 5103
_

> jfl ST = AM

J! STMi
s STM 3 lad fuccT
© lt*xJ
P,
ED A

Llj-_

-
a-»
Rrfrac EJiaci MJf c SCF.« (W.k RaFw

FIGURE 3.72(c)

Specifying block information

From the Data Browser, open Blocks /PRC/Setup /Configuration sheet and fill 11 up
(see Figure 3.73).
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 157

Tmi "<»«. 3*« t*JT P« Ufco* A5«to- HMn

"

j .
TiU-J.J 1'
_
!l:'Mii,

Sehjoteta'i
o
P«rN*V o, Ligud

* a f-" Uiidtihu«E

3\-ur
S EOT

UGHTS
K BDI
i jj so;
g £j 903
>: M STEAM
STVl
M STM2

WATER

1
J
Ki vjij hGOFWw- ~
4 Main colunn 81

"
Mod
' MTi.ni iv-.o . '.r. ri-e- n. f... K. t-- nJ. ii-...
SWE-MS I OSrwU DitB BrfrK E-trwt HMik SCfitc P fix. (WeF.se B<(j*F(»(,
fs-.net, wean
'

a«i a ' ... OvWtjrt pan Pk - SaJTt" '

FIGURE 3.73

As we press Next icon, the Blocks /PRC/Setup /Streams sheet appears as shown in
Figure 3.74.

'

'
Fie Edt W C*s T>-A PW Uxsy Wrefc* Hefe -

jtHGRETRC <<j|Ai 3 j
5 JCcriifjiter, ystiasnej Steam |vn«*tue|wCariMnnn)vFijin«ca{
feed me*"!
31** Conwibon
5 TEAM 26

FEED 22 Funaco

Hwse FMw B«m Fkw IWt

-
j (w
eoi
_

26

ttSHTS Vapd
Fieewatei

DIS

Jfl STBI
.
nw

i, as*!

| wWi | HeMEohongeii Cotuan) j Rmumi | Pre;iu9 Cltaroa! | ManpUstco | Soldi j liieiModd! |

< ..sFtabe '.'fire-iPijjll 1

'
a*

FIGURE 3.74

n Figure 3.75, the pressure sheet shows the condenser pressure along with the top
as well as bottom stage pressure of the distillation tower.
As given in the problem statement enter 0.2 in the Distillate vapour fraction field ,

naer the heading of Condenser specification (see Figure 3.76).

158 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

rl«l-l

9 -

F P 3
-

F P 3
-

17-

- 3 'no r
.
_j imi
< o «
*
a S'
.
zj m
-
3 iTm

. Himdl ' in

I-Wav. nruu M law Mhr VI» AbA.

. M

-I « - - o-
'

FIGURE 3.75

i r-i-i. i-- rir -

i -'ci i « -i-i
3gifh - 1 l-l »l 31-1 "'1
a -

I ] 3

T _

UXTI
w

w:

itfl

I 1-11 I H»«e l»l «i f «H I r> I rMMOM«M I MI I M* I IMOMa |

-
£>*
Haas
i .r.
M/w IOib NWw lau«<a

£S-1 IW I " .mm

FIGURE 3.76

In the next step (see Figure 3.77), the feed furnace is specified by selecting the type
of furnace and giving the values of pressure and ractional overflash.
f

Copyrighted material
158 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

rl«l-l

9 -

F P 3
-

F P 3
-

17-

- 3 'no r
.
_j imi
< o «
*
a S'
.
zj m
-
3 iTm

. Himdl ' in

I-Wav. nruu M law Mhr VI» AbA.

. M

-I « - - o-
'

FIGURE 3.75

i r-i-i. i-- rir -

i -'ci i « -i-i
3gifh - 1 l-l »l 31-1 "'1
a -

I ] 3

T _

UXTI
w

w:

itfl

I 1-11 I H»«e l»l «i f «H I r> I rMMOM«M I MI I M* I IMOMa |

-
£>*
Haas
i .r.
M/w IOib NWw lau«<a

£S-1 IW I " .mm

FIGURE 3.76

In the next step (see Figure 3.77), the feed furnace is specified by selecting the type
of furnace and giving the values of pressure and ractional overflash.
f

Copyrighted material
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 159

tUiiLH
MM
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_

J *«nmr. I yS«Mi| Staw | yC d et Awm.)

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.
L/ST-mj _
D*L R«*mc E*«» Mrffue StTuc PeboFiK R ef>*e £!5n«C

FIGURE 3.77

In the left pane of the Data Browser window select Blocks I PRC I Efficiencies and ,

provide 90% Murphree tray efficiency (see Figure 3.78).

My| 1 1 las! « dvifelsKM »j -| 1 IH_JS)_J ®l

; i nr 1 IOI 1 la! iMSil
Fb |r..-,rr,F:-.| H | «||..
_
4 'W*!

Sertgr. Enlnq

>

j4

fir1

Kjrf.sr SOW NWfwt Rvrfiy gjjtjftg

-
- .
a ii i HUH P-j. JtothLy?**-

FIGURE 3.78

The three windows shown in Figure 3.79(a), (b) and (c), specify the side strippers
,

tj d on the given input data.

160 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

(Buck PUT (INMroftm;) Slriivm SI - IWofttmwI

tU F-» I Took f\vi -V.' Ubrary- Yfrdon Heto

I IB] I SI MM

_
] Mi 3 ]0pUlrtalF«di | Uqud Retail j P'i
_
J
id Seho
'

ll 3 r 3
a Stj m "

_
J 60T a
-

J DiS
-

FEED
- "

TT-
-
ICHTS
S'ipgng riearr, f 3
3
~

SIDl
_
l SlMm lo bo«om pioduct tslw |Wion»l| f
Jj SID! "

j SO] r 3
jfl STEW
STM1 Flow jptcrfcahwi
5TH2
fiofioftTpoduct 1
a STHi
'
- -
EC
_
j , .

PBC
O Scbc

.
ii 3-;
.
il 53
O Healer Co
4ir*«ol:fa!)o«,nctbng(ebo Reboto itprttdtK m Ihe bdlofn sage
-
,1

jl Mawi/SplPen | Sepaitfoi) | He* Ewhanowj Colurani ) RwidDn | Pi«a«Q»ano«: i Man xiatai | SoWi | Ui«MocW: |
-

CM

STREAMS DSTWU Dirt RadFiac ENttact MiAfrac SCfiac P*

Penoffdc Balefiac Saictiftx

Cv flFoWon.afljenFVsll I rij.rM |)|mI hcOT»c

« "
.
I; 13:01
.

FIGURE 3.79(a)

Rt Edl Unr Dtfa Tooh Run PW Lfcrary WfxJw

EBB
Dl lyj _
J J fclej w) QKlfeKl l i n.| 3 >l
_ J
h i - IBI iSlti
as'
* forced
| OpbanalFeedt j Rerun
, rj ot Setup
t

U 015
.
Jfl fEEt
NUTlb8(0(tl«(|ei [* 3 3
Siropeiixoduol 1 102 0v«<hMdretuK |n 3
.
j 5DI
-
H 5:02
.
Slnpomgirwdun
: a SiO) I* Stiipoiij *te*fi |STM2 jj
.
STEAM
.
5TM1
Sieamtobollampiodi 1 It .

.
Ji sTMi r Rebcisfduy
.
!r,«
S 23 WATER OpboMt tebo<e. heal ihwmt
ij Brxki t " (. produd 3 3
i|
Srrf/oJ 15000
'

I P i»»wid» -1
-

St r.
*
Si
*
A S-2
> .
S-3

O ftrtw* Stwca
0 -

rj CoodMer Hcurv

iwifiii iiHi W
KMancdu dw. JS
3SAttinM) Sb»«r S2
HutEichanoeii Cokanu | Raadai | Pnuuactrogni I MawMon | SdUs | UmMcxMi

STREAMS OSTWU 0ml RadFtsc Erf/acl Mtt ffK

MJfi«: SCFuc PmoFiic R«rfi« e«ttfi«c:
C\ gFoUmVANMnAjill 1
'

- I » i.2l " Jj£lS | jJOaa»2 HcmrtlW |'T A»«i,P«»<fcii.H)J || HO

FIGURE 3.79(b)
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 161

as-3

-
a GOT
! U ns
FEED
3
n fl "

-
u UCHTS 3 tJv*f>»adi«t«n fie -J
. Zj SOI
S«DJ

n
B
SOS
5TBW
STM1
1 iV) snc
r Rttolodur)'.
r

*
- j STM3
.
j WATtP
_

n
- FX. 4

1) Jj .....

WaCwwH M Mar cou-t. jwja ;aji,

[V M«m/5c*Mt. I S tHten I H»«E*ch«n9M Cok-ni j n. on [ f Miw*CKangtrt ] HmvMm | SoUi | Model. |

STREAMS DSTWU
'

fvHtki fn.

FIGURE 3.79(c)

Although the Status bar says Required Input Complete, we have to specify the two
pumparound circuits connected with the main fractionator. Select Blocks/PRC/
Pumparounds in the list on the left. Click on New as the object manager appears. We
may accept the default Pumparound ID T-l Then specify the first pumparound circuit
'
.

(see Figure 3.80).

H* Es* VW D«j Toob Rwi Pa Jsrvy Vintom net

Ql -l H

_
J ra» «
-
1) Sdukw
_ j

J W.srtrt
OHRltfMM
_

-
J «*

lj LXirTS

1, 5103
U s-o: 31-ur
STEAM
STM1
jfl snc
ino
j MHTSH
taw
$ fK

Jj "MV

HBEAMS
-
hfin: ' OStWU
OSIWU Dail firf.*: ErtM HJ*.* SCfi*c P«ofr*c H«rf'*c

FIGURE 3.80
 "'
162 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTHOL USING ASI'KN

Select again Blocks/PRC/Pumparounds to reopen the pumparounds object manager.

By the same way, fill out the form for second pumparound circuit, shown in Figure 3.81.

|»'|H| |
i r n I F .
i
. .. p rr-T n U -1 q -.| ul 1 n.|
-
J i
-
J -

| :
.
f" -
hm*lm
7
'
-
I t:
.

_
j w;
.
V) REE
_

_
j SiOl (..m 1... . d
.

_
,
1 "0-
L-
Sffll 1-.-. d
J

J Beck*

Jfl ' T - OS
-
Jfl PI

h
_
i

_
J

FIGURE 3.81

Running the simulation

Hit Next icon and click OiTto run the simulation .
The Control Panel window is presented
in Figure 3.82.

...
J rj_iUV 11 Im; i ibi i i

S Was Jui M, lOC''*

.
Fr nxtcj input i(Mift«Hiau

oawjimiftp oawa rca the n-wsasir .

1 1 O.tlMl

STP£Am D5TWI] Cfl firfiac m.HiF.k SCf.w Fy.rfnc fi a.- g w,

FIGURE 3.82
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 163

Viewing results
From the Data Browser, choose Results Summary /Streams and obtain the table, shown
in Figure 3.83, that includes the low rates (bbl/day) of all product streams. Save the

f
work done.

l.;,ft-i

-
o-

FIGURE 3.83

To obtain the input information (see Figure 3.84), select Input Summary from the
View pulldown menu.

ITU UMilMly of 1 1

. fv irtm no- Ha. »»t.

titmm . uve. : * lid. flaa

.-

Cl CM
ut c*<ao ;
Ml . ««0-|

"Co

ncc* «c >uo s'*! t.ii:o»T» lu

f

w c*Ti" iroa >tw «oj

f

FIGURE 3.84

Copyrighted material
164 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

34
.
SIMULATION AND ANALYSIS OF AN ABSORPTION COLUMN
Problem statement
A hydrocarbon vapour enters an absorption column below the bottom stage and the
absorbent enters above the top stage. The column operates at 75 psia with no pressure
drop and it has four equilibrium stages. The absorber is specified in Figure 3.85.
GAS-PDT
Absorbent

Pure n-C10
Temperature = 90oF
Pressure = 75 psia
Flow rate = 1000 Ibmol/hr

ABSORBENT

oAo-rttu

Gas Feed

Temperature = 90oF
Pressure = 75 psia

Component Flow rate

LIQ-PDT
(Ibmol/hr)
280
c2 150
C3 240
n-C 170
4

n-C 150
5

FIGURE 3.85 A Tlowsheet of an absorption column.

Apply the Peng-Robinson equation of state model in the simulation.

(a) Simulate the absorber model (ABSBR2 under RadFrac) and compute the product
compositions.
(b) Perform the sensitivity analysis by examining the effect of absorbent flow rate
on the exiting C3 concentration in the top product .

(c) Compute the absorbent flow rate to keep 15 mole% of C, in the gas product
(GAS-PDT). 3
Simulation approach
(a) Double-click Aspen Plus User Interface icon on the desktop. When Aspen Plus
window pops up, select General with English Units Template as shown m
Figures 3.86(a) and (b).
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 165

; .
b
,
_£l a AHM -< r-J 3 ! I I Jgl-J _!

1 r OMn»E«F«Sai>H>

0 J.<* *h«MW«U»0

V
..

FIGURE 3.86(a)

oi W U J )ig| J2hm_L_kld 2J_LLJ_ia_i

_ - _

1F

FIGURE 3.86(b)

Click OK when the Connect to Engine dialog is displayed and proceed to develop
the process flow diagram .

Creating flowsheet
Select the Columns tab from the bottom toolbar Among the available RadFrac models,
.

select ABSBR2 and then place it on the flowsheet by clicking with the cross hair
somewhere
the inlet andon the flowsheet background Right-click to de-select the.

block. Connecting
we have Figure d.»/.
outlet streams and changing the all default labels ,
166 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

F dl
- Vto* tJ«8 Tccto Btr low wl liw/ Wn<*»«

J1IM J_L-LJI .1 .tel. I IBI «g]*!j

O 1 «8 'H
-

O 1 :-AS'Ee: f

STREAMS S OSTWU CwU Ratfiac E»»[»c> MtlaP.ac SCfiv: PfUcfrac Raiefiae Batctfrac

; Slwl] S J " Botk j 4] Aapen_ Mo«by Mct | - Cha r3 Hritirft j jUwtdTwro Hwcao )[ Aapen PVj« . Soul « j

FIGURE 3.87

Configuring settings
In the subsequent step, hit Next symbol and fill up the three setup input forms as shown
in Figures 3.88(a), (b) and (c).

Re E(k Mm D*« Tooii Pur. Pid Lbra>y Wfida-* H >

n| |H| J JMg|jgl nsMfeKNM H j

_ _ SI
~

_
L r i-i-I- PT
_
-

5**
© Spectftcj«k>n«
Q SmitMlcnOiMni
ISmJabon ot «i Abtoiba

"

R«#iiVPO 3
OuWtBttlt |ENG r "

: Stio«m dan |cOW>/HH 3

Ftowbesw [ 1

DM C

STREAMS OST'VU QaU RxF.ac E«kI M F.oc P»tof.ac R<Mfi«c

FIGURE 3.88(a)
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 167

* -

FIGURE 3.88(b)

38

Tig-
IS
sir
-
:

FIGURE 3.88(c)

Specifying components
From the Data Browser, choose Components/Specifications. In the input form, shown
in Figure 3.89, all components are defined.

Specifying property method

In the list on the left, shown in Figure 3.90. select Properties /Specifications to obtain
the property input form. Set PENG-ROB property method.

Copyrighted malarial
168 PROCKSS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN11

& .
! -m I W W

'
I "

5!ES
ii
-

11 LI

-
D -

FIGURE 3.89

IF

. > --

-
D-
W W >»«.» M«» -il> «-»»

FIGURE 3.90

Specifying stream information

In the next data entry step, press Next button and click on OK. Enter the feed
information for both the gas stream and absorbent in two forms as shown in
Figures 3.91(a) and (b).

Specifying block information

Use the Data Browser menu tree to navigate to the Blocks/ABSORBER/Setup/Confi-
guration sheet (see Figure 3.92).
168 PROCKSS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN11

& .
! -m I W W

'
I "

5!ES
ii
-

11 LI

-
D -

FIGURE 3.89

IF

. > --

-
D-
W W >»«.» M«» -il> «-»»

FIGURE 3.90

Specifying stream information

In the next data entry step, press Next button and click on OK. Enter the feed
information for both the gas stream and absorbent in two forms as shown in
Figures 3.91(a) and (b).

Specifying block information

Use the Data Browser menu tree to navigate to the Blocks/ABSORBER/Setup/Confi-
guration sheet (see Figure 3.92).
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 169

' r i i i- rv i ie:
-
m aia
i

"

3 nr

IS 3 ,
.

IV
H3-

FIGURE 3.91(a)

3j

7laLJlllrr-3»)aU;
"

I E0O«Mr« |

: 1 EC?*- >]
I .

tea
r L

"
'

> fi '

"

£J T-r1

FIGURE 3.91(b)

ouiul .1 ! ami 01 al-rtfcloKlyl » ! 3 I MilBj} 3

«i -fe!
SfEf

P 3 ,

j\ r
-

Li ir

FIGURE 3.92
170 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

Select the Streams tab to specify stream location. Under Convention, there are two
feeding options: On-Stage and Above-Stage. In the present problem, the top stage is
the first stage and the bottom stage is the fourth one. Therefore the absorbent is fed
above Stage 1 and the gas feed is introduced above Stage 5 (see Figure 3.93).
-
He &k Vfe* CW* Tec* Fin fa u , Wi-do- Up
Mai -I..[ **m *?! oMfel M *'l :2l_J_liiJjdElj*J.£iJ
i r 1.14- nr -i i iai

PtoimiI >/!:cnjcnni| 1 I

sws. Com*

WOfiBEH
5

© HMttr, Fto-iatm
_
J MfMffd } Urn* 1W 6*jb Flow :. U*.

| .

SfBEAMS : Djrf f&F-K E-iKa W-if.s: SCF P ff-t -

. fistf.ic B«c»f >

FIGURE 3.93

In the next step (see Figure 3 94), select Pressure tab to specify the pressure profile
.

across the absorption column In this case, the column is operated isobarically at
.

75 psia. Under Top stage / Condenser pressure enter 75 psi. Aspen software assumes ,

that the column operates isobarically if no additional information is provided.

E« rtca a(s "m« Rji fta Jay, 7fr»e«

7]
fop ' Ccmkraii pftlfJI*

* fl (t*Sf EEC

E AflSOftSER

[V I - I . ..MT-UJ-W: 1 W J

0 0- R . t Pnrf.>: ftiufnt Bwtfat

| tjHA.MTMa We {j < n -S ' to. **** tr j - Mil

FIGURE 3.94
 ASPEN PLUS"' SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 171

Running the simulation

Hit Next foUowed by OK to run the simulation. The Control Panel window is shown in
Figure 3.95.
-
Ft. E« V*- OA TMh 4*

ci»1H| *U M*} _
raMai H'"I n . I M .| i?i m £
-
J T-l l-l' F*
-
'I .IBI I laai «M

mjihTiiiiTiii liiriSij

StPEAMi [ .11VU C«« RadF.-a- Mjfffac SCFr«c Prttofra- RatsF Bt&f'* .

FIGURE 3.95

Viewing results
Choosing Results Summary /Streams in the left pane of the Data Browser window ,
we
get the results as shown in Figure 3.96.

fit SX .Vn t« 1 It.-. a»> P« UrVf

loHal am
_
Lr_ia_ J rr _
.
i
la .
1 *LiJ «)W
~

3 aaad
I
j|r d
'

Jll .
d
a aria HBB
ei Mm
»> ...
NC4 tuoiyi liH IMHB

TiB iSidV) H9913

S Ntll) isnutu
-

ra-1 *l)4s

C1 ozn jw- O0M

H 0152 0J<* 6020

' -

C) «»2 01* US'-

RG dm 0012 cioo

mM OlOD
|
tcio 1000 np oca .
1

-
a-
'
_V ~, 26... r-j .., fiESfad
sifiEtw' e '' j Dr.« ri.j,3, Ml<, '* SSffigB f,v'r'a- SftS
f -. kM- j.

I a-w a i te ss i iaajgLg

FIGURE 3.96
172 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

(b) In the sensitivity analysis we will manipulate the absorbent flow rate and ,

examine its effect on the exiting propane concentration In the column at the .

left side, double-click on Model Analysis Tools folder and then select Sensitivity .

As the Object manager is displayed, choose New. On the next window shown in ,

Figure 3.97, Aspen prompts us for an ID. Enter 'C3' as ID, and click OK .

- ft* idl .tea

1 MM Wl nMfcl-si-JI-i el r I L'iiliJJSll -1
_
i r L m rv
_ _
d |B|
1

.
_ , w
-
:.-
.
_
]

I C mrtn
I C-.**

i j Sohh | Utti

FIGURE 3.97

In the next step (see Figure 3.98), select New under Define tab. Then we are
'
prompted to enter a variable name. Enter C3' and press OK. Subsequently, the following
information are required to provide:

II I I ! . fT 1 .lEI
.
,
1 |B|

1 |

StaM l&i-iTOI

- > -
J .

4...,'. ., | MW. I H«,[Jw U>mm | aca>. | Bbu.Ow I M-MO, | U* I <lm*M I

t

'

n OITWU Cm R«fCMtt HJf*c «Tac IW'k n 'tc fc 't -

FIGURE 3.98
 ASPEN PLUS*" SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 173

Type: Mole-Frac
Stream: GAS-PDT
Substream: MIXED
Component: C3
Hit Next and select the Vary tab (see Figure 3.99) The manipulated variable iis
specified with the following data:

Type: Mole-Flow
Stream: ABSORBEN
Substream: MIXED
Component: NC10
Overall range
Lower: 500

Upper: 1500
Increment: 50

> Ht aa Vfem Csa Too» fu\ Pa {tar, >Vhd» >Mi 1*1 "i
-

i i»l.li:M;ii A
_
L r
_

danElEMo -i «[|ai "~

* 1>>I ! 1 *»1
/Dorr yvacj |«T«ulaM| TaUgr OMMbn I Oaard |
.
_
j On, Ogmrm VsxMtruitei 3

Tor
Cjcpona 3 Low |M0
Upo» [Two
Ina fsT
Hercxljbrti
u«e Tea*
Lm1 I
-

-
Train,
Ure2 |
U C3 LntJ P
'

» - -
MM

.
_
j D»Ff

23 r tttji

MM
UKJAHS ' CrtTVU FVlrfnc flKrfnc BWrt/'K

FIGURE 3.99

In the subsequent step (see Figure 3 100), . select the Tabulate tab. This screen is
used by Aspen to set up tables. Insert T under Column No. Then right click on the
adjacent cell under Tabulated variable or expression. Select Variable List and drag and
drop the variable name (C3) into the cell. We may also directly type 03' in the cell. '

Then run the simulation and get the screen, shown in Figure 3.101.
174 PROCESS SlMULVriON AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

'
» (. <« . Mi Im* * uam mmm M*

sfgl.. j»[di<)P Zl JiUjd

-
10 > Cfton*
'> -

et " .
ft . .- u~

4 "
s

-
D -

'
DSTWU CMI Mrfe wjftK KTm hmfm *ml~ Mo o
t

< w -m Ik

FIGURE 3.100

1 .
I'ICI I 111 !?1»!J
AM
ir
- Qc>

> nn
I :mii

In Tm.
t trv
I Mil
t Mai

lil/TU
'» «»«
K ua
MtM
i uut

'
MIMU Om IW<k Umo >w i« IOai DMTw taXw

FIGURE 3.101
 \SPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTIUJVTION MODELS 175

From the Data Browser, select Model Analysis Tools/Sensitivity/C3/Results to

display the tabulated data (see Figure 3.102).

5 -

- I » - " . - I rijo- - 11; .--

FIGURE 3.102

In order to represent the results graphically, highlight a column in the table and
select X-Axis Variable (Ctrl + Alt + X) from the Plot pulldown menu. By the similar
way. select Y Axis Variable (Ctrl + Alt + Y) for the next column. Then select Display
Plot (Ctrl + Alt + P) from the Plot menu and obtain Figure 3.103.

J T
-
I-1 l- iv i-g I i»< siW

I --. I - l - I

J
FIGURE 3 103
176 PROCKSS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

(c) In the left pane of the Data Browser window {see Figure 3.104), open
Flowsheeting Options folder and then select Design Spec. We need to provide
this design spec a name in the same manner that we did for the sensitivity
analysis. Press New, enter DSC3* and click on OK. '

38
2i£B_uaas -'-i ~ _u-j.ii2a

'

3 ~--

5=.

-
o

_ AH .> Mfc. lw Mto W. W«

FIGURE 3.104

Select ihTettJ under Define tab. Then enter 'CS' as a variable name and press OK. In
the next step (see Figure 3.105), the following information are required to input:
Type: Mole-Frac
Stream: GAS-PDT
Substream: MIXED
Component: C3

.
.
K-MJ-B-M-iM-f-

FIGURE 3.105

Copyrlghiod material
 ASPEN PLUS1M SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 177

In the subsequent step (see Figure 3.106), select the Spec tab. Design specification
data are noted below:
Spec: C3
Target: 0.15
Tolerance: 0.001

;Ti=E4Mi DSTVU Dag R»Jf>: Erftaci M frac SCF»c PihoF-JC flyrf.K fcj'ctfix

FIGURE 3.106

Finally (see Figure 3 107), select the Vary tab and enter the following information:
.

> 4. Lfc Ar- Cm« to-Ji Hpi Ptoi Ubr, AWtow »H>

MHj_U jff) nkiaiaKiH n.| P >|'l"l I ~l 1 fil

_
j r iii nr
_
imi i ibi i i

' X
.

' U -

_
i /-,

6
3 "
-

- J r
0 r r
0
Q ! M6
'
>

r-s.

_
i >

'

I -' - Tan, I > fi- -

: ?

1
| HmMH I r>MMf'CM«M | Mr iW I SOW: | UwMaW- |

»gj ' I a

FIGURE 3.107
178 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPKN"

Type: Mole-Flow
Stream: ABSORBEN
Substream: MIXED
Component: NC10
Manipulated variable limits
Lower: 500

Upper: 1500
As we run the simulation, we get the screen, shown in Figure 3.108.

&k 'Aw U«j Tw, fu. w**«.

el w| Mii*MaJi£)!id r -
I I "I 311 <M
j lai

Slock: ISSOAfilS USFUC

K. K. XL Ici Ir.
1 t 1
I 1 1 C.1K31

Lhtt i.e. sicwr- iMunuii i

i - fl-.j.J. Hbi Ik/TcI 0 IS9ft«3

ML IL ttt/To)
i i » c.aui*

3TH£*«S ! OSTWU Dan Brfrac Um* UtffiK SOHk ftftrfwe RaUfwc Badftic

ail * J " . »t
'

FIGURE 3.108

As we choose Streams subfolder under Results Summary folder in the list on the left
(see Figure 3.109), we get the absorbent flow rate of 1179.467 Ibmol/hr to keep 15 mole
of C3 in the gas product. This answer we can also obtain from the sensitivity plot.

35. OPTIMIZATION USING ASPEN PLUS

It is well known that Aspen Plus is capable to optimize a function Here, we will continue .

the above absorption problem (Section 3 4) for optimization. In the present study, we .

wish to maximize C3 mole fraction in the gas product (GAS-PDT) with respect to
absorbent inlet temperature (lower limit = 50oF and upper limit = 300oF) .

Simulation approach
First solve part (a) of the previous absorption problem It means, fill up the input .

forms for setup components, properties, streams and blocks. In the next, simulate tne
,

optimization problem as described in the following .

 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 179

t -r
4

« -

.
'
)
M
"

TM H
lit
KB
r
r
,

_
1 1
-
- Si.- - JUBJ -
-

i>'«

IT iMT 1
.
sna-fSBRI- - tc

U wra-; wim
M .» i .«<-'.

rr owi t-rr* M Im* o»« '

FIGURE 3.109

In the column at the left side (see Figure 3.110), choose Model Analysis Tools/
Optimization. As the Object manager is displayed, hit New button and accept the default
ID 0-1' Press OK and then New. Entenng variable name 'CS'. again click OK Provide
the following information to maximize C3 mole fraction in the gas product.

I'M*
N t)

FIGURE 3.110
 180 PROCESS SIMULATION ANT) CONTROL USING ASPEN1

Hit Next knob twice and get the screen, shown in Figure 3.111.
T-Birry m.v.-.T'-iB

_
LilJ Jl]35l £vj:

3 <<J[ --7]2>J DijdHd

i0C.-.~. Osbcn
-

-
ii

2J

dp
a

-
iJ

At o i

fir Hitut/SpEttm j

STREAMS h!BM f 5&M S£p»

,

0 ' ioc*< p!9.

FIGURE 3.111

Right-click in the empty cell with selecting Maximize option. Then select Variable
List and drag and drop the variable name (C3) into the cell (see Figure 3 112). We can .

also simply type C3 in the field.

E* fwe ~ada Z,r. \Jutr, Wrtie* Hnb

CbiKtive tundnn -

HQ OfWlc*
s 2u eSci
[5) Rma

S ij 01

U .. ..
i'r

FIGURE 3.112

'
In the subsequent step select the Vary tab. Under Variable number, as we choose
,

New', automatically the number T appears FillinR out the form, we have the window .

as shown in Figure 3 .
113.
 ASPEN PLUS'" SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 181

!5)| I \£\ j l

21 Cw

_
j rw-m
ffi nw aw i

D
-
-

FIGURE 3.113

Pressing iVex symbol and running the simulation we get the answer (see Figure 3 114). , .

The maximum C3 mole fraction of 0.259 is obtained at absorbent inlet temperature of 179 80F . .

In vi>* C*i Kn fa ttnja,,

J 1 i i fir - i bi
-
. 1 ibi

j 'Jr.- rr.
3 T i

>,
K1.«pu 75 00

noco 10*

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USC0 £»-
wv.- lUHjU
"

MMB Lit 5»SS7

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'

. ft

Wfa>
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'
c? mm 1?. *

Ti PIVB
170(00 i»S3

FIGURE 3.114

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS |

At the beginning of this chapter a brief of all built-in column models of Aspen software
,

has been presented Several separating columns, including a petroleum refining column
.

and an absorber have been simulated using Aspen Plus. The process optimization has
,

also been discussed with an example. The present study covers both the binary as well
as multicomponent systems Interested readers may try to simulate the models given
.

in the exercise .
182 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPKN

PROBLEMS|
3 . 1 A feed mixture, consisting of 60 mole% ethanol and 40 niole% water, is to be
separated by using a DSTWU model having a low rate of 100 kmol/hr at 40oC

f
and 1 atm so as to recover at least 85% of the light key component in the liquid
distillate and 80% of the heavy key component in the bottoms. The column
operates at 1 atm with no pressure drop throughout. In the simulation, consider
the reflux ratio of 1.5 and a total condenser. Applying the Wilson property method,
simulate the column and ind out the minimum number of stages, actual number
of stages, and feed position. f
3 . 2 A feed stream, consisting of 50 mole% ethane and 50 mole% ethylene. enters a
Distl column having a low rate of 200 Ibmol/hr at 750F and 15 psia. This separator
f

runs at 300 psia with no tray-to-tray pressure drop. The pressure in the reboiler
as well as condenser is also 300 psia. The feed enters the model at 6th stage and
the column has total 15 theoretical stages (including condenser and reboiler)
and a total condenser. If the reflux ratio is 7 and the distillate to feed ratio is
08
compute the mole fraction of ethane in both the product streams with applying
. .

the RK-Soave equation of state model.

3 3 A feed mixture specified in Figure 3.115 is to be distilled by a rigorous RadFrac
.

model (FRACT2). The column consists of total 24 equilibrium stages (including

condenser and reboiler) with a stage pressure drop of 2 kPa. Consider the
condenser (total) pressure of 125 kPa and the top stage (Stage no. 2) pressure of
130 kPa. The distillate low rate is 120 kmol/hr and the reflux ratio (mole basis)
f

is 2. A side product (vapour) is withdrawn from 14th stage. Applying the Soave-
Redlich-Kwong (SRK) property method, simulate the column model and report
the product compositions.

Feed

Temperature = 110nF
Pressure = 175 kPa
Dj O
Feed stage = 10 (above stage)
Component Flow rate Sj cC.
(Ibmol/hr)
benzene 250
toluene 80
diphenyl 10 B\ $

FIGURE 3.115 A flowsheet of a distillation column.

3 .
4 A reboiled stripper is to be employed to remove mainly propane and lighter
components from a feed stream, shown in Figure 3.116. It has total 6 stages
(including condenser and reboiler) and no condenser. The bottoms rate is
100 Ibmol/hr and the column pressure is 150 psia throughout. Using the Peng-
Robinson thermodynamic method, simulate the RadFrac model (STRIP2) and
ind out the product compositions.
f

Copyrighted material
 ASPEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 183

Feed

Temperature = 40oF D -
Pressure = 300 psia
Feed stage = 1 (above stage)

Component Flow rate

(Ibmol/hr)
c, 60

c2 75
c3 150
n-C 175
4
n-C5 60
n-C 35
s

FIGURE 3.116 A flowsheet of a stripping column.

3 . 5 A feed mixture of cyclopentane and cyclohexane is to be separated employing a
liquid-liquid extraction unit at 250C and 1 atm with the use of methanol as a
solvent. The schematic diagram of the process with feed specifications is given
in Figure 3.17. The process unit, having toted ive stages, is operated adiabatically.
f

Applying the UNIQUAC property method, simulate the extraction model (ICON1)
and note down the product compositions.

Feed

Temperature = 30oC
Pressure = 1 atm
Feed stage = 1

Component Flow rate

(Ibmol/hr)
cyclopentane 250
cyclohexane 750
FEED EXTRACT

Solvent - SOLVENT-
RAFFINAT
'

Temperature - 30DC
Pressure = 1 atm
Feed stage = 5

Component Flow rate

(Ibmol/hr)
methanol 1000

FIGURE 3.117 A lowsheet of an extraction column.

f

3 . 6 A gas consisting of 40 mole% ammonia, 60 mole% air at 20CC, 25 psia, flowing at

the rate 120 kmol/hr, is to be scrubbed counter-currently with water (pure) entering
at 60oC and 30 psia at a rate 100 kmol/hr. The column operates at 1 atm throughout
and it has four stages. Using the UNIFAC thermodynamic model, (a) simulate the
RadFrac absorber (ABSBR2) and determine the exiting ammonia concentration in
the gas product, (b) Perform the sensitivity analysis by examining the effect of
absorbent low rate on the exiting ammonia concentration in the top product.
f

Copyrlghled malarial
184 PROCESS SIMULATION AND CONTROL USING ASPEN

3.
7 An artificial petroleum refining column (PRC) shown in Figure 3.118 consists of
a feed furnace and a fractionation tower. The tower includes one pumparound
circuit, a partial condenser and one side stripper. The furnace (single stage flash
type) operates at 20 psia and provides a fractional overflash of 50% (StdVol basis)
in the tower. The outlet stream of the furnace enters the tower on stage 18 .

The column has total 20 stages. A steam stream, STEAM, is fed at the bottom
of the fractionator (20th stage with on-stage convention). There is another steam
stream, STEM1, used in the side stripper. The condenser runs at 15 psia with a
pressure drop of 5 psi. The tower pressure drop is equal to 5 psi. The distillate
rate is 12000 bbl/day and the distillate vapour fraction in the condenser is 0.25
(StdVol basis). The liquid product, SID1, is withdrawn from 5th stage with a
flow rate of 2000 bbl/day.
A hydrocarbon mixture with the given component-wise flow rates (Table 3.6)
enters the furnace at 120oF and 45 psia.

LIGHTS

WATER

IS -

SID1

STEM1 -O

FEED
SID2 C>

STEM
BOT O

FIGURE 3.118 A flowsheet of a petroleum refining column

TABLE 3.6

Component Flow rate (bbl/day)

10
c2 100
C 600
3

1800
n-C 7500
4

30000
1-0, 42000

nrCt 250
H 0 250
2
 ASHEN PLUS SIMULATION OF DISTILLATION MODELS 185

The pomp around circuit (for cooling) and the side stnpper are specified with the
following information (see Table 3.7).
TABLE 3.7

Location Specifications
i

Pumparound Draw Return Flaw rate Temperature

idrauoff type) stage stage (bbl/day) feF,

I (partial) 8 6 40000 20

Location

Stnpper No. of Stnpper Draw Return Stripping Bottom product

stages product stage stage steam flow rate (bbl/day;
1 5 SID1 12 10 STEM1 15000

Two steam streams, used in the column model, are described in Table 3.8.

TABLE 3

Specifications
Steam stream Location Temperature (8F) Pressure (psia) Flow rate Ob/hr)
STEAM Main tower 350 50 12000

STEM! Stnpper 350 50 5000

Selecting the PENG-ROB base method under RE FINE RV process type simulate ,

the model using a PetroFrac column and report the flow rates (bbl/day > of all
product streams.