Thermodynamic analysis of cumene production plant for identification of energy recovery potentials

Samad A., Saghir H., Ahmad I., Ahmad F., ÇALIŞKAN H.

Energy, vol.270, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 270
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.126840
  • Journal Name: Energy
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), CAB Abstracts, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Computer & Applied Sciences, Environment Index, INSPEC, Metadex, Pollution Abstracts, Public Affairs Index, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Keywords: Cumene, Diisopropylbenzene (DIPB), Energy recovery, Exergy destruction, Exergy efficiency, Friedel–crafts alkylation
  • Uşak University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

In this work, exergy analysis of cumene production plant is carried out in an integrated environment of Aspen Plus and MATLAB. Physical exergy is calculated in Aspen Plus V.10, while an interface of MATLAB and Aspen Plus is used to calculate chemical exergy of the process. For systematic analysis and comparison, the cumene plant is divided into three sections: preheating section, reaction section and separation section. Then, exergy efficiency, irreversibilities and exergetic improvement potential are calculated. The overall plant exergy efficiency, irreversibility and improvement potential are found as 84.93%, 95960.52 kW and 15102.5 kW, respectively. The reaction section has the highest exergy efficiency of 87.44%, while the separation section has the lowest exergy efficiency of 58.95%. The analyses performed in this study can provide a basis for optimization of design and operation of the plants.