A tray-by-tray method for the conceptual design of dividing wall columns

Dividing wall columns (DWCs) are intensified units that may lower capital costs, generate energy savings, and reduce the environmental impact with respect to the use of conventional distillation systems. In this work, a tray-by-tray method to design DWCs is developed. Applications to three case studies dealing with the separation of aromatics, linear alkanes and alcohols mixtures are presented. The validation of the conceptual designs with rigorous simulations in Aspen Plus showed the effectiveness of the conceptual design method.