فهرست نشریات علمی دسترسی آزاد ایران

This study examines and optimizes operational strategies in distillation units. Given rising energy costs, limited energy resources, and increasing environmental constraints, improving the energy efficiency of process industries has become critically important. This research aims to enhance the performance of distillation units by implementing dynamic process intensification, which involves alternating between two operational points with different concentrations. The study evaluates the use of Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controllers and Model Predictive Control (MPC) to improve the efficiency of distillation columns. The results show that MPC controllers markedly enhance distillation performance compared to PID controllers. The findings further indicate that optimal periodic operation between the two operational points requires identifying the specific points and the time intervals during which the system should operate in each mode. This research demonstrates that using PID and MPC controllers to manage concentration transitions between operational points can dynamically improve the distillation of methanol and 1-propanol mixtures. As a result, energy savings of approximately 1.5% and 4.5% in the reboiler duty of the distillation column can be achieved without compromising product quality or throughput. Simulations performed in Aspen software validate these outcomes and underscore the positive effects of dynamic process intensification on distillation performance (Kister et al., 1992; Smith 2005).