313Choice of a Process Technology
analysiswas performed on three variables: the heat duty for the third ash opera-
tion to separate the solvent from the product oil (Flash 3), and the mass ow rates
for the 2-propanol and n-hexane. An optimal operating temperature for the Flash 3
distillation was identied as 111°C (232°F), which maximized the ow rates of the
2-propanol and n-hexane while minimizing the heat duty for this operation.
No information was presented on the economics of this process, and the require-
ment for signicant quantities of clay and the energy requirements for the other dis-
tillation processes would have to be evaluated and be incorporated into an economic
model. The disposal of dry sludge and dry clay would also have to ...