Abstract: The steady-state separation process of alkane C5 mixture was simulated by Aspen Plus V12 simulation software, in which the separated adjacent distillation column was used to replace the debutane removal column and C₅ pre-separation column in the original process, and on this basis, the sensitivity analysis tool was used to optimize the operating parameters of the adjacent distillation column. The results showed that the optimal feeding position of the raw material was the 11th tray, the reflux ratio was 5, the side line recovery position was the 7th tray, the side line recovery capacity was 500 kg/h, the gas phase reflux position was the 37th tray, and the liquid phase reflux position was the 12th tray. Compared with the conventional distillation process, on the premise of the same feeding conditions and product purity requirements, the cooling energy consumption is saved by 17.04% and the heating energy consumption is saved by 16.69% by adopting the adjacent distillation column process.

Key words: dividing wall column, mixed C₅, energy conservation, simulation optimization