Progress in the Technology and Application of Thermally Coupled Distillation

Thermally coupled distillation can save 30% energy and reduce capital investment compared with conventional distillation processes. About 40 dividing wall columns (DWC) have been applied industrially. In this article, thermally coupled distillation, including its other kinds of configurations, energy saving principles, area of use, design methods and application status in industry are reviewed. The application prospect of DWC is also introduced.