A new class of solution methods for multicomponent, multistage separation processes

Abstract

Abstract A new algorithm was developed for the solution of the equations that describe multicomponent, multistage separation processes operating at steady state. The algorithm is based on the use of newly defined energy and volatility parameters as the primary successive approximation variables. A third parameter was defined for each stage as a unique combination of the liquid and vapor phase rates and the temperature, and the quasi‐Newton method of Broyden was employed to iterate on these parameters. The exceptional stability of the new algorithm in very difficult cases, as well as its efficiency in easy cases, are demonstrated using a variety of example problems.