Optimisation of heterogeneous batch extractive distillation

This paper considers the optimisation of batch extractive distillation, using heterogeneous entrainers for the first time. The objective function includes the maximum of overall profit and the optimisation variables are the entrainer flowrate and the reflux ratio that is an optimal combination of both decanted phases. Simulation and optimization is performed within MATLAB, by using a genetic algorithm coupled to a short-cut model of the distillation column. The performance of the optimisation scheme is illustrated through the separation of chloroform - methanol mixture with water considering either a constant or a piecewise constant policy for both optimization variables.