Section 4: Absorber

-recover VAM
-recover reactants

don't really care

about purity

How much VAM to be

recovered: no less than
90%

What is its objective? Extent of achievement?

How many primary feeds? Which?
1: reactor effluent

Where in the process would you like to own them?

Identify their states from their previous owners
Components, z, T, P, f, F? What variations may exist?

How many outputs? Which?

2 outputs: VAM
output+Ethylene

battery limit of
the section:
post heat
exchanger

Over-design the
plant. 30%
turndown i.e
30% of
overdeisgn
value

Where in the process would you like to disown them?

Identify their states and inform rightful owners

Separation:

Components, z, T, P, f, F? What variations may exist?

What design basis? (Capacity & Specs)

Talk to team mates and reach an agreement

VAM
B.P<HAc B.P

VAM+CH3COOH
in one stream
Everything else
Read about
separation
networks

Main Tasks
Process flow diagram & stream table
Simulation model that connects with other sections
Use IT tools (Excel, Hysys, Matlab, )

Detailed design (ChE) of one major unit

Scaled drawing with equipment specification sheet

Short-cut designs of ALL auxiliary units

Types and major dimensions for costing & simulation

Do not miss any item
Equipment specification sheets with types, capacities,
ALL units including
reboiler, exchanger
pumps

feeds, products, and major dimensions

Materials of construction for all units

Develop & Simulate PFD

What is PFD?
Pictorial description of
the units

How to develop?
Composition change, partial
condensation, identify key
components, then flash drum

How many alternatives? Which is the best?

Alternatives down
stream of the flash
drum

Design Major Unit

What type of column?

Any other materials? Where from? What states?

Operating pressure?
Size and optimize column/s (first, if multiple)

Select and size column internals

Distillation, absorption, membrane?

Tray vs packed?

Diameter, height, stages, operating conditions

Select distributors, sections, , as appropriate

Justify the tray

sizing by specifying
inputs

Select reboiler and condenser types and size them

Select and size vacuum generation system

Use Simulation for Design

Use Aspen Hysys/Plus to the fullest
Minimize manual work
Explain briefly the simulation algorithm

Select and justify fluid package

Learn and use Tray Sizing utility
Understand and briefly explain design procedure
Identify and justify key inputs to Hysys
Explain why Hysys results are acceptable
Manual computations will incur penalties

Explore cost estimation via Hysys

Use Simulation for Design

Verify satisfactory operation

Turndown, flooding, weeping, entrainment, foaming,

Optimize design and operating conditions

Columns, stages, feed stage, feed condition, pressures,

height, diameter

Extra marks for special efforts and creativity

Vendor information
Specific advances
Novel designs

Discuss alternate separation technologies

Report Writing

Objective of report
stated very clearly

State your own section (not design project) problem

statement clearly and fully
Plan and sequence/organize your report

Make it logical and lucid in correct English

Summarize final results in an equipment data sheet

Include a full PFD (not Hysys BFD) with stream table
State how you have used computer-aided tools
State clearly and justify all assumptions / steps /
decisions / selections / logic
Reference all rules, procedures, formulas, etc.
Avoid boring and trivial details; use tables effectively
DO NOT DUMP digits

Report Format

Double-sided A4 with 1.5 spacing

2.5 cm margins on all sides
Font size must exceed 12 point
Expect penalty for smartness here
NO binder Just staple
Cover page with title/section, advisor, your name,
matric number, and BIG TEAM NUMBER
The shorter the better to a limit

Do not copy/paste general knowledge