Author(s):
1. Anđela Ristić, Faculty of Technology - University of East Sarajevo, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
2. Nebojša Vasiljević, Faculty of Technology - University of East Sarajevo, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina
3. Dario Balaban, Univerzitet u Novom Sadu, Tehnološki fakultet, Novi Sad, Serbia
4. Goran Tadić, Faculty of Technology - University of East Sarajevo, Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract:
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) fractionation systems are energy-intensive plants whose efficiency significantly depends on the selection of operating parameters for individual columns and the potential for process integration. This paper presents a methodology for process simulation and optimization of individual columns within a distillation train (deethanizer–debutanizer–depropanizer–butane splitter) as well as the evaluation of heat integration opportunities using the DWSIM process simulator. For each column, the optimal combination of the number of theoretical stages and the reflux ratio was determined while satisfying the required product quality specifications. Based on the resulting optimal operating conditions, the potential for process heat integration using a heat pump was analyzed. In the proposed configuration, the energy released in the debutanizer condenser is recovered and utilized to meet the reboiler duty requirements of the depropanizer and the butane splitter. An analysis of energy flows was performed to evaluate the effects of the proposed solution on reducing external heat demand and improving the overall energy efficiency of the plant. The obtained results confirm that the combination of process optimization and heat integration represents an effective approach to enhancing the performance of LPG fractionation systems.

Key words:
distillation,optimization,simulation,heat integration

Thematic field:
SYMPOSIUM D - Environmental and sustainable materials

Date of abstract submission:
22.07.2026.

Conference:
Contemporary Materials 2026 - Savremeni Materijali

Applied paper from author