Applications of vacuum rectification for energy optimization of the fractional facility of benzene and toluene

The article represents the possibility of the energy optimization of rectification facility of separation of benzene and toluene by using columns with circled energy flows. The modeling was conducted in Hysys environment using NRTL thermodynamic package. The modernization requires the vacuum in the benzene column to lower the temperature and increase the temperature difference between the top of the toluene and the bottom of the benzene column. The proposed technological configuration allows to significantly reduce the energy consumption in the form of heating steam and achieve a significant economic effect. (paper)