Separation of tetrahydrofuran and water using pressure swing distillation: Modeling and optimization

Computer simulations were performed to obtain highly pure tetrahydrofuran (THF) with over 99.9 mole% from the mixture of THF and water. Pressure swing distillation (PSD) was used since the azeotropic point between tetrahydrofuran and water can be varied with pressure. A commercial process simulator, PRO/II with PROVISION release 8.3, was used for the simulation studies. The Wilson liquid activity coefficient model was used to simulate the low pressure column, and the Peng-Robinson equation of state model was added to correct the vapor phase non-idealities for the modeling of the high pressure column. The most optimal reflux ratios and the most optimal feed stage locations that could minimize the total reboiler heat duties were determined.