A Methodology to Integrate Closed-Cycle Heat Pumps into Batch Distillation Columns

Abstract

As distillation is an energy-intensive separation technology, many heat integration schemes have been discussed to reduce its energy demand. So far, most studies have looked at continuous distillation, and studies for batch distillation columns (DCs) focused on direct vapor recompression. However, recompression is infeasible in the food or pharmaceutical industries as compressor oil may contaminate the products. This contribution presents a design procedure for integrating closed-loop heat pumps into batch DCs. The study prioritizes natural working fluids, as conventional ones usually have a high global warming potential. The results indicate that closed-loop heat pumps can reduce the energy demand of batch DCs.