Published

2015-01-01

Operation parameters of a small scale batch distillation column for hydrous ethanol fuel (HEF) production

Parámetros de funcionamiento de una columna de destilación diferencial en pequeña escala para la producción de etanol hidratado combustible (EHC)

Keywords:

Batch distillation, ethanol fuel, process optimization, factorial design (en)
destilación diferencial, etanol combustible, optimización de procesos, diseño factorial (es)

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Authors

  • Edson Luiz Foletto Federal University of Santa Maria

Batch distillation applied to hydrous ethanol fuel (HEF) production on a small scale still requires operating conditions that ensure optimal top product quality and productivity. The aim of this study is to statistically validate a batch still through the employment of response surface methodology (RSM). Operational and productivity parameters were formulated in order to guarantee quality compliance with the legal requirements for the top product concentration, besides providing support information to control the production of HEF on a small scale. The reboiler control and dephlegmator temperatures maintained within the range of 97.5 to 99.5°C and 60 to 70°C, respectively, combined with a variable reflux ratio, was satisfactory in obtaining a top product concentration, in accordance with legal regulations, as well as high productivity. The results of this study may contribute to the assembly of a simple and low-cost batch distillation control system.

La destilación diferencial aplicada a la producción de etanol hidratado combustible (EHC) a pequeña escala todavía requiere condiciones de operación que aseguren la calidad del producto destilado y la productividad óptimas. El objetivo de esta investigación es validar estadísticamente la destilación diferencial mediante el empleo de la metodología de superficie de respuesta (MSR). Parámetros operacionales y de productividad se han formulado con el objetivo de garantizar el cumplimiento de la calidad de los requisitos legales para la concentración del producto destilado, además de proporcionar información de apoyo para el control de la producción de EHC a pequeña escala. El control de las temperaturas del rehervidor y deflegmador, mantenidos dentro del intervalo de 97,5 a 99,5 °C y de 60 a 70°C, respectivamente, en combinación con una relación de reflujo variable fueron satisfactorios en la obtención de una concentración del producto destilado en conformidad con las normas legales, así como una alta productividad. Los resultados de este estudio pueden contribuir al montaje de un sistema de control de destilación diferencial simplificado y de bajo costo.

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Copyright (c) 2015 Edson Luiz Foletto

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