Acetone Recovery

Input - Output Structure

The input-output structure is quite straightforward. A flow controller has been placed on the feed to indicate that this is set upstream. It is clear that the composition of both product streams will be important, and so quality controllers have been placed there without indicating what will be adjusted.

It is sensible to show the solvent stream as a makeup. There will always be some solvent loss to be made good. Figure 1 below shows the control system at this stage.

Figure 1 - Acetone Recovery : Input/Output Structure


Recycle Structure

At the recycle structure level the air QC can be associated with the rate of solvent supplied to the absorber. This is the main recycle stream. Acetone quality control will be associated with the flash, though the details of the loop cannot be defined at this stage. It is not anticipating too much to have indicated that the solvent makeup will be determined by some form of inventory control, as the purpose of that loop is to maintain the inventory of solvent. Figure 2 shows the results at this stage.

Figure 2 - Acetone Recovery : Recycle Structure


Final Structure

Finally, Figure 3 shows the absorber and flash. Both are standard and straightforward. A tank is provided to add makeup solvent on level control. Pumps and compressors have not been shown, their placement being left as a further exercise. They do not, in this process, affect the general control system structure.

Figure 3 - Acetone Recovery : Final Structure


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