Optimization of a distillation column of a HDPE plant with Aspen HYSYS

Identifier:  TFG:117

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TFG117

Authors:  Blasco Muria, Amadeu

Abstract:
Abstract The need of new products as well as a new culture of the environmental care, of the saving and optimization of energy, the use rationalized of fuels, etc. makes necessary that the chemical engineering looks for economic and feasible alternatives for the solution of these new challenges. The process simulation is an effective tool for the analysis and the process optimization, which helps to propose the different alternatives for solving these modern challenges. The simulation of chemical processes is a tool that has become indispensable for the suitable solution of the process problems. It allows to effect the analysis of chemical plants in operation or for the design of new plants or equipments. The scope of this project is the simulation of a distillation column operating nowadays in a high density polyethylene manufacturing utility. The aim of this column is the separation of a group of components useful for feeding other units conforming the entire plant and reducing the costs of production. HYSYS is an advance process simulation environment for the process industries developed by Hyprotech and it allows engineers to develop a single process model, optimize production and enhance decision-making. In order to optimize a column it was decided to introduce reader in how HYSYS runs a simulation and the way a distillation column works, this includes what kind of devices installed inside, the parameters we need to modify for improve the production or minimize energy consumption and give a global view to reader about the thermodynamics laws that governs this type of unitary operation.