Electrification Strategies for Batch Distillation: An Illustration Using a Middle Vessel Column

Abstract

This study explores electrification opportunities for batch distillation using an energy-efficient middle vessel configuration. The middle vessel batch distillation (MVBD) configuration provides advantages over conventional batch distillation by enabling simultaneous multicomponent separation and eliminating offcuts under total reflux operation. Various electrification strategies, ranging from direct substitution of conventional steam-powered reboilers by an electric reboiler to the implementation of multistage heat pump schemes, have been explored. The impact of electrification on separation, energy consumption, carbon emissions, and overall economics is systematically evaluated to assess its potential for sustainable operation. Furthermore, the impact of electricity source (renewable versus nonrenewable) on the resulting optimal operation is also assessed. A ternary mixture separation simulation demonstrates that direct electrification using renewable electricity results in the lowest carbon abatement cost of $17.9/tCO2. The overall best performance is obtained for a two-stage heat-pump-based configuration powered by renewable energy. It achieves a 99% reduction in carbon emissions and a 151% increase in economic performance over the corresponding unelectrified configuration and has a carbon abatement cost of $44.3/tCO2.