The synthesis of distillation processes for azeotropic systems is a complex task for which commercial simulation software mainly offers a graphical analysis of residue curve maps, limited to ternary (sub)systems, or an iterative evaluation based on tedious simulation studies. The current work features a novel algorithmic approach that aims at an automatic synthesis of distillation-based separation processes for azeotropic mixtures. Unlike other methods available in the literature, the feasibility of separation in a simple column is evaluated for both limiting operating conditions, total reflux and reversible distillation. Furthermore, the method integrates a pinch-based shortcut method to verify split feasibility and estimate the minimum energy demand. Thus, feasible process variants are generated solely based on a thermodynamic model of the multicomponent mixture, incorporating suitable recycle streams, and pressure variation, thus enabling a computationally efficient and reliable process synthesis. The capabilities and efficiency of the proposed method are illustrated for different multicomponent azeotropic mixtures.

中文翻译：

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蒸馏过程的自动合成，用于均相共沸多组分系统的分离

共沸体系的蒸馏过程的合成是一项复杂的任务，商业模拟软件主要提供对残留曲线图的图形分析，仅限于三元（子系统）系统，或者基于繁琐的模拟研究进行迭代评估。当前的工作采用了一种新颖的算法方法，该方法旨在自动合成基于共沸混合物的基于蒸馏的分离过程。与文献中可用的其他方法不同，对于限制的操作条件，总回流和可逆蒸馏，都评估了在简单色谱柱中分离的可行性。此外，该方法还集成了基于捏的快捷方法，以验证拆分的可行性并估算最小能量需求。从而，仅根据多组分混合物的热力学模型（结合合适的循环流和压力变化）生成可行的过程变量，从而实现计算有效且可靠的过程合成。针对不同的多组分共沸混合物，说明了该方法的功能和效率。