Computer-Aided Simulation of Electrochemical Process Flowsheets

A methodology was developed for the computer-aided design and modeling of electrochemical process flowsheets. The public version of the advanced system for process engineering (ASPEN) was modified for use in the study. ASPEN was chosen because of its electrolyte capability and adaptable programming structure. Within the ASPEN framework, enhancements made during the course of this work are portable to the electrolytic industry. In this study, the design, costing, and economic analysis of the electrochemical production of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) was used as an example. The process steps included rigorous distillations, absorbers, an electrochemical cell model, pumps, flashes, and heat exchangers involving electrolyte systems.