Optimize Design Strategies for Heat-Integrated Air Separation Columns

The forefront of energy-saving research in cryogenic air separation units (ASUs) involves the utilization of a heat-integrated air separation column (HIASC). By strategically distributing heat within specific segments of the column, it is possible to enhance the energy efficiency of the HIASC. The current study employed a systematic optimization-based design approach to assess the potential for energy savings in the ASU process while ensuring the production of high-purity products. This approach focuses on mixed-integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) techniques to manipulate the column's stages and variables, including the internal heat exchanger area between two diabatic sections of the column. The study findings indicate that implementing the HIASC based on the proposed design approach can result in energy savings of 16.2% and a reduction of over 20% in operating pressure compared to the baseline design.