New process function-based selection and configuration methodology for Process Equipment Assemblies (PEAs) exemplified on the unit operation distillation

Process Equipment Assemblies (PEA) are pre-designed equipment sets which are selected instead of time-consuming tailor-made design. This paper introduces a new method for the selection and configuration of PEAs exemplified on the unit operation distillation. First step of the new methodology is the selection of the most suitable technology applying matching matrices. The matching matrix required for selecting a suitable distillation technology is introduced. Next a process function-based planning approach is executed using so called master block flowcharts (MBF). These technology specific flowcharts contain all possible process functions required for any potential separation task and contain the technology specific main function and technology independent process functions. Considering process boundary conditions and functions already available in the infrastructure, the MBF is reduced to the functions required for the process. Next, concrete PEAs are selected starting with the main function where the separation of the fluids takes place using the PEA operating range as the main selection criterion. A tool required to determine the operating range of a distillation column is demonstrated. Finally, the PEAs for auxiliary functions are selected from a databank.

工艺设备组件（PEA）是预先设计好的设备组合，人们会选择它们，而非耗时的定制设计。本文介绍了一种用于工艺设备组件选择和配置的新方法，并以单元操作蒸馏为例进行说明。新方法的第一步是应用匹配矩阵选择最合适的技术。介绍了选择合适蒸馏技术所需的匹配矩阵。接下来，使用所谓的主块流程图（MBF）执行基于工艺功能的规划方法。这些特定于技术的流程图包含任何潜在分离任务所需的所有可能的工艺功能，并且包含特定于技术的主要功能和与技术无关的工艺功能。考虑到工艺边界条件和基础设施中已有的功能，主块流程图被简化为工艺所需的功能。接下来，从主要功能开始选择具体的工艺设备组件，其中以工艺设备组件的操作范围作为主要选择标准来进行流体分离。展示了一种确定蒸馏塔操作范围所需的工具。最后，从数据库中选择用于辅助功能的工艺设备组件。