A tool to optimize VOC removal during absorption and stripping

Abstract

Practicing engineers routinely use modular simulators and algebraic tools to perform rigorous process optimizations. These complex tools, however, can have a significant learning curve. Meanwhile, spreadsheet programs are becoming a ubiquitous tool for performing calculations for many chemical process operations [1-4]. In this article, we show how the Solver feature of the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet program can be used to optimize a fairly complex system. In this case, the specific goal was to optimize the design of a gas-absorption tower paired with a solvent-recovery stripper for the continuous recovery of organicsolvents (VOCs) from a contaminated stream. Two examples are given, with and without environmental emission constraints. The results show that Excel Solver can converge on local optima for these complex systems, as long as proper care is taken during the solution procedure.