HYSYS 14: Distillation

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore how to perform multicomponent distillation using HYSYS 14, a powerful process simulation software. Distillation is a key separation technique widely used in chemical engineering and process design. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to set up and run a distillation simulation, making it relevant for students, engineers, and anyone interested in process design.

Step 1: Setting Up the Simulation Environment

1. Open HYSYS: Launch HYSYS 14 on your computer.
2. Create a New Case: Go to the start-up window and select “New Case” from the options.

Select Fluid Package

• Choose an appropriate fluid package for your simulation (e.g., Peng-Robinson for hydrocarbon systems).
• Click "OK" to confirm your selection.

Step 2: Defining Components

Add Components

• Navigate to the "Components" section.
• Click on “Add” to include the components in your mixture.
• Search for and select the chemicals relevant to your distillation process.

Set Component Properties

• Ensure that all physical properties are correctly defined by checking the data provided for each component.

Step 3: Building the Distillation Column

Insert Distillation Column

• Go to the "Columns" section in the main interface.
• Drag and drop the "Distillation Column" icon onto the process flow sheet.

Configure Column Specifications

• Double-click the column to open its properties.
• Set the number of stages and specify the type of column (e.g., continuous or batch).
• Input feed conditions such as temperature, pressure, and flow rates.

Step 4: Specifying Feed and Product Streams

Add Feed Stream

• Insert a "Material Stream" for the feed into the column.
• Define the feed stream properties (temperature, pressure, composition).

Define Product Streams

• Create overhead and bottom product streams.
• Specify the desired specifications for these products (purity, flow rates).

Step 5: Running the Simulation

Check for Errors

• Review your setup for any potential errors or warnings indicated by HYSYS.

Run the Simulation

• Click on the “Run” button to perform the distillation simulation.
• Monitor the progress and wait for the calculation to complete.

Step 6: Analyzing Results

View Results

• Once the simulation is complete, navigate to the "Results" section.
• Analyze the composition of the distillate and bottoms.

Generate Reports

• Utilize HYSYS’s reporting features to generate detailed reports of your simulation results for further analysis.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, we covered the fundamental steps for conducting multicomponent distillation using HYSYS 14. By setting up the simulation environment, defining components, building a distillation column, and analyzing results, you can effectively simulate distillation processes. As a next step, consider experimenting with different column designs or varying operating conditions to deepen your understanding of distillation dynamics.