Computer Simulation of a Multicomponent, Multistage Batch Distillation Process

Abstract

The material and energy balance equations for a batch distillation column were derived and a computer simulation was developed to solve these equations. The solution follows a modified Newton-Raphson approach for inverting and solving the matrices of material and energy balance equations. The model is unique in that it has been designed to handle hypothetical hydrocarbon components. The simulation can handle columns up to 50 trays and systems of up to 100 components. The model has been used to simulate True Boiling Point (TBP) diagrams for a variety of crude oils. This simulation is also applicable to simple laboratory batch distillations. The model was designed to accurately combine data files to simulate actual crude blending procedures. The model will combine files and calculate the results quickly and easily. The simulation involves removing material from the column at steady-state. The removal fraction is made small enough to approach continuity. This simulation can be adapted for use on microcomputers, although it will require extensive computation time.