Design of a Rectification Plant for the Complex Separation of Propane-Butane Mixtures

• Дата: 2026
• Автори та афіліації: Ю. М. Симоненко — Odesa National University of Technology; Б. Г. Грудка — Odesa National University of Technology; Е. В. Матвєєв — Odesa National University of Technology
• Ключові слова: keywords
• Автори: Симоненко, Ю. М., Грудка, Б. Г., Матвєєв, Е. В.
• Формат: Стаття
• Мова: Англійська; Українська
• Опубліковано: Інститут енергетичних машин і систем ім. А. М. Підгорного Національної академії наук України 2026
• Онлайн доступ: https://journals.uran.ua/jme/article/view/367945
• Назва журналу: Journal of Mechanical Engineering

This paper is devoted to the issues of designing and experimental research of a pilot-industrial rectification plant intended for the complex separation of propane-butane mixtures obtained during the preparation of natural gas and its liquefaction. The topic is considered relevant due to the urgent need to use environmentally friendly natural refrigerants, such as propane (R290) and isobutane (R600a), which are becoming increasingly popular in refrigeration technology. The authors emphasize the importance of deep processing of hydrocarbon raw materials. Thus, multi-stage processing allows to significantly increase the added value of the final product - propane and high-purity butane. A theoretical justification for the choice of the technological scheme is provided in the paper. During preliminary calculations, it was established that due to the significant difference in the thermophysical properties of binary systems (propane-isobutane and propane-propylene), the use of one rectification column is ineffective. The designed plant includes two columns with different geometric parameters, filled with an irregular mesh packing, which ensures effective heat and mass transfer. Particular attention is paid to an innovative approach to the heat and cold supply system organizing. The developed system integrates two vapor-compression refrigeration units directly into the technological cycle of the columns. The evaporators of the refrigeration machines, built into the column condensers, allow to create a flow of reflux necessary for rectification, and the condensers of the machines supply heat to the column cubes. This approach allows to maintain stable pressure in the devices and flexibly regulate temperature levels. Experimental plant testing during the processing of "dirty" propane confirmed the design expectations: 99.9% purity of the target product was achieved. The technical possibility of further propane purifying to 99.96% by means of repeated distillation in the second column was shown. The plant has high flexibility, which enables waste-free processing of the initial feedstock with the release of butane, isobutane and propylene as independent commercial products by changing the operating temperature modes. The obtained results demonstrate the high efficiency of the proposed technical solutions for production facilities.