Optimisation of a bio-ethanol purification process using conceptual design and simulation tools

Abstract

In this work, we propose an evolutionary optimisation procedure which intensively uses both conceptual and rigorous models for the design and simulation of unit operations involved in a bio-ethanol purification process. While conceptual models are used to determine initial values for design and operating variables of a given operation unit, rigorous simulation departing from initial estimates generated at conceptual design level enables to remove simplifying assumptions, interconnect equipments and calculate operating and investment costs. Once an initial design of the purification plant is obtained, opportunities of improvement are easily recognized and then tested by performing the design and simulation steps until a cost-effective bio-ethanol purification plant is achieved. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.