Vapor recompression reboiling process

摘要

This invention relates to distillation in pressurized columns and provides a process for reboiling such columns. The column 1 working at a pressure of 11 bar is fed with a mixture of hydrocarbons preheated in exchangers 2a and 2b to about 130 DEG C. A part of the bottom is withdrawn, then expanded by means of an expansion valve 5 to 2.5 bar in an expansion balloon flask 6 where the phases are separated. The vapor phase is compressed in a compressor 7 to the pressure of the column and reinjected at the bottom of the column, whereas the liquid phase is removed. With the process, energy can be saved in pressurized distillation columns, for example in petrol stabilization columns.