A NEW COMPUTER-AIDED TOOL FOR SIMULATION OF SEPARATION PROCESSES IN OLEOCHEMISTRY

Simulation of a separation process can be defined as the analysis of the process model. It can be performed in order to minimize or maximize one or more criteria, e.g. higher capacity, greater flexibility or cost reduction. The computer-aided simulation allows for decreasing of process development costs because of reduction of expensive experiments. In this paper the use of mathematical modeling of separation processes in oleochemistry has been presented. Two models of separation process have been applied: the equilibrium stage model and the rate-based approach. The models have been implemented into the computer program KOSI which is equiped with the comfortable user interface and large data bank of oleochemicals. The features of the program KOSI are illustrated by the simulation of a distillation column system consisting of three coupled columns for separating of a fatty alcohols mixture.