Reducing total annual cost and CO2 emissions in batch distillation for separating ternary wide boiling mixtures using vapor recompression heat pump

This paper presents cost-effective heat pump assisted vapor recompression (VRC) design algorithms for the separation of ternary wide boiling mixture in batch distillation in order to reduce total annual cost (TAC) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. A minimum TAC and CO2 is required by the batch distillation process industry for any investments in heat integrated systems, such as VRC. Consequently, the design conditions for implementing VRC should be chosen such that the energetic performance is maximum at minimum TAC. The model system selected in this paper is an application involving high temperature lift, that is, hexanol–octanol–decanol ternary wide boiling mixture. First, a systematic simulation algorithm was developed for conventional multicomponent batch distillation (CMBD) and single-stage vapor recompressed multicomponent batch distillation (SiVRMBD) to determine the optimal number of stages based on the maximum TAC savings. The SiVRMBD saves more energy and TAC than CMBD. However, SiVRMBD has a high compression ratio (CR) throughout the operation, which is not practically feasible for the batch distillation processing. Second, in order to increase the performance and minimize the SiVRMBD weakness, a novel optimal multi-stage vapor recompression algorithm was proposed to operate at the lowest possible CR (<3.5) throughout the batch operation while also conserving the most TAC. Overall, the findings suggest that the proposed optimal multi-stage VRC reduces TAC and CO2 emissions significantly when compared to CMBD. Finally, the influence of the different feed compositions on VRC performance is also studied.

Energy-saving investigation of vacuum reactive distillation for the production of ethyl acetate

Ethyl acetate (EtAc) reactive distillation (RD) configurations often use atmospheric pressure, and this operating pressure can be reduced further to conserve energy based on the condenser cooling water temperature. Using the Aspen Plus simulator, two proposed configurations, RD column with stripper and pressure swing reactive distillation (PSRD), were simulated at lower operating pressure. The impact of RD column operating pressure on total energy usage and total annual cost (TAC) was studied. All design parameters were optimized using sequential iterative optimization procedures and sensitivity analysis to minimize the energy cost while maintaining the required product purity at 99.99%. The simulation results showed that the RD column with a stripper is better than PSRD with a saving of 23.17% in TAC and 31.53% in the specific cost of EtAc per kg. Compared to literature results, the proposed configurations have lower reboiler duty requirements and lower cost per kg of EtAc.

Optimization and technical-economic analysis of the production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural from glucose / Otimização e análise técnico-econômica da produção de 5-hidroximetilfurfural a partir da glicose

In this study, the optimization of four processing schemes were developed for the production of 5 hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a chemical platform compound obtained from lignocellulosic biomass and used to make the connection with products from fossil resources. Despite its wide applicability, problems associated with its synthesis hindered its greater use. In this scenario the use of a computer program stands out, as the optimization of processes can be used, evaluating the factors and finding parameters that minimize the costs associated with its production. The optimization of these systems was made from the minimization of the total annual cost of the process carried out through the Aspen Plus® v.11 software, in addition, the economic feasibility of the process was analyzed and it was possible to obtain the HMF at 1.00$ .kg-1 and the co-product levulinic acid between 1.92 and 3.08 $.kg-1. It was also possible to note that among the operating costs, those from glucose had the greatest effect on its value, whereas in relation to equipment costs, reactors and distillation columns were the ones that had the greatest influence.

Investigating Hydrogen-Based Non-Conventional Storage for PV Power in Eco-Energetic Optimization of a Multi-Energy System

Through the integration of multiple energy carriers with related technologies, multi-energy systems (MES) can exploit the synergies coming from their interplay for several benefits towards decarbonization. In such a context, inclusion of Power-to-X technologies in periods of excess renewable electricity supply, removes the need for curtailment of renewable electricity generation. In order to achieve the environmental benefits of MES without neglecting their economic feasibility, the optimal design problem is as crucial as challenging and requires the adoption of a multi-objective approach. This paper extends the results of a previous work, by investigating hydrogen-based non-conventional storage for PV power in the eco-energetic optimization of an MES. The system under study consists of a reversible fuel cell (r-SOC), photovoltaic (PV), electric heat pump, absorption chiller and thermal storage, and allows satisfying the multi-energy needs of a residential end-user. A multi-objective linear problem is established to find the optimal MES configuration including the sizes of the involved technologies with the goal of reducing the total annual cost and the fossil primary energy input. Simulation results are compared with those obtained in previous work with a conventional nanogrid where a combined heat and power (CHP) system with gas-fired internal combustion engine and a battery were present instead of an r-SOC. The optimized configuration of the non-conventional nanogrid allows achieving a maximum primary energy reduction amounting to 66.3%, compared to the conventional nanogrid. In the face of the environmental benefits, the non-conventional nanogrid leads to an increase in total annual costs, which, compared to the conventional nanogrid, is in the range of 41–65%.

Healthcare resource utilization and costs associated with anogenital warts in Morocco

Background Human papillomavirus (HPV), primarily genotypes 6 and 11, cause the majority of cases of anogenital warts (AGW). Although benign, AGW are associated with a substantial economic and psychosocial burden. Several vaccines have been developed to prevent HPV. The objective of this study was to describe the epidemiology and healthcare resource utilization of AGW in Morocco, as well as the associated costs of treatment from the public healthcare perspective. Methods This was a descriptive analysis of questionnaire data obtained via a Delphi panel. The panel consisted of 9 physicians practicing in public hospitals in Morocco (4 dermatologists and 5 obstetricians/gynecologists). The questionnaire collected data on physician and practice characteristics, diagnostic tests and procedures, treatments, and follow-up (including recurrence) of patients with AGW. Questionnaire items on which ≥ 70% of respondents agreed were considered as having consensus. Costs associated with diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up were calculated in Moroccan dirham (MAD) and converted to euros (€) based on official national price lists for public hospitals and the HCRU estimates from the questionnaire. Results The physician-estimated prevalence of AGW in Morocco was 1.6%-2.6% in women and 2.0%-5.3% in men. A mean (median) of 6.4 (4) patients per month per physician sought medical attention for AGW. Simple observation was the most common diagnostic method for AGW in both men and women, and excision was the most prescribed therapy (75%), requiring a mean of 2 visits. Recurrence occurred in approximately 27% of patients. The cost per case of managing AGW, including recurrence, was estimated at 2182–2872 MAD (€207–272) for women and 2170–2450 MAD (€206–233) for men. The total annual cost of medical consultations for AGW in Morocco ranged from 3,271,877 MAD to 4,253,703 MAD (€310,828–404,102). Conclusions Expert consensus indicates that AGW represent a significant burden to the Moroccan public healthcare system. These data can inform policy makers regarding this vaccine-preventable disease.

National trends and cost of litigation in UK National Health Service (NHS): a specialty-specific analysis from the past decade

Background and aims Medical litigation claim and costs in UK are rising. This study aims to analyse the 10-year trend in litigation costs for individual clinical specialties in the UK from 2009/10 to 2018/19. Methods Data were procured from National Health Service (NHS) Resolution. Number of claims, total litigation costs and cost per claim were ascertained for each financial year. The data collected also includes the number of claims and average amount per claim per speciality during the years 2009–2019 (2009/2010 to 2018/2019 financial years). Results The total annual cost of NHS litigation is currently £3.6 billion(2018/2019). Damages make up the greatest proportion of costs(£1.5 billion). Surgical specialties have the greatest number of claims annually(2847) but Obstetrics has the greatest total litigation(£1.9 billion) and cost per claim(£2.6 million). Number of claims, total costs and cost per claim are significantly greater in 2018/2019 than in 2009/2010. Conclusions Addressing the issue of litigations is complex. Medically there are speciality specific issues that require attention, whilst some general measures are common to all: effective communication, setting realistic targets and maintaining a motivated, adequately staffed workforce. These, alongside legal reforms, may reduce the financial burden of increasing litigation on the NHS.

Multi-objective optimization of a power-to-hydrogen system for mobility via two-stage stochastic programming

A systematic way for the optimal design of renewable-based hydrogen refuelling stations in the presence of uncertainty in the hydrogen demand is presented. A two-stage stochastic programming approach is used to simultaneously minimize the total annual cost and the CO2 footprint due to the electricity generation sources. The first-stage (design) variables correspond to the sizing of the devices, while the second-stage (operation) variables correspond to the scheduling of the installed system that is affected by uncertainties. The demand of a fleet of fuel cell vehicles is synthesized by means of a Poisson distribution and different scenarios are generated by random sampling. We formulate our problem as a large-scale mixed-integer linear program and we rely on a two-level approximation scheme to keep the problem computationally tractable. A solely deterministic setting which does not take into account uncertainties leads to underestimated device sizes, resulting in a significant fraction of demand remaining unserved with a consequent loss in revenue. The multi-objective optimization produces a convex Pareto front, showing that a reduction in carbon footprint comes with increasing costs and thus diminishing profit.

Pengaruh Jenis Pelarut Pada Distilasi Ekstraktif Pemisahan Campuran Aseton-Metanol Dengan Dinding Pemisah

Distilasi adalah pemisahan dua campuran atau lebih ke dalam fraksi komponennya dari kemurnian yang diinginkan berdasarkan perbedaan titik didih serta volatilitas antar komponen. Pemisahan dengan metode distilasi biasa tidak efektif untuk memisahkan campuran azeotrop. Oleh karena itu, menggunakan dengan metode pressure swing distillation, azeotrope distillation, dan extractive distillation. Aseton dan metanol merupakan campuran azeotrop yang harus dipisahkan dengan pelarut. Metode yang digunakan adalah distilasi ekstraktif dengan tiga entrainer yaitu air, chlorobenzene, dan dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Kolom distilasi ekstraktif konvensional dapat dimodifikasi menjadi distillation wall column (DWC) dengan menambahkan dinding pemisah untuk mengurangi konsumsi energi dan penghematan biaya. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah menentukan jenis pelarut terbaik pada setiap sistem (kolom distilasi ekstraktif konvensional dan EDWC) dengan membandingan nilai ekonomis (biaya capital, biaya energi, dan nilai total annual cost). Penelitian dilakukan menggunakan Aspen Plus® untuk melakukan simulasi. Simulasi dengan menggunakan kolom dinding pemisah dilakukan dengan tiga kolom karena pada Aspen Plus® tidak tersedia kolom distilasi dengan dinding pemisah. Hasil simulasi menunjukkan bahwa jenis pelarut yang terbaik untuk memisahkan campuran azeotrope aseton dan methanol adalah DMSO dengan menggunakan sistem kolom distilasi ekstraktif konvensional. Biaya capital yang dihasilkan sebesar $653.999/tahun, Biaya Energi $3.245.929/tahun, dan Nilai TAC $3.899.927/tahun (payback period 3 tahun).

Simulation and Optimization of the Phosgenation Reactive Distillation Process for Producing Toluene Diisocynate

Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is an important chemical intermediate prepared by phosgenation reaction between toluene diamine and phosgene with two steps name cold and thermal phosgenation respectively. In this paper, the reactive distillation model for the thermal phosgenation reaction based the kinetics equations was established for an industrial installation, and the effects of the different parameters on the process performance were studied firstly; then based on the analysis results, a thermal coupling process between the towers of reactive distillation and phosgene purification was presented and investigated; finally, the optimal operation scheme was simulated and the results showed that the proposed process can save the heat and cold energy with 7.29% and 32.78%, respectively, and reduce the total annual cost about 17.11%. The result of the paper can be used to guide the operation configuration or the revampment of the TDI production equipment.

The Cost of Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder in Swedish Youth

The economic impact of pediatric obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) on society is unknown. We compared a wide range of individual-level cost data of children 7–17 years with OCD (n = 152) with a control group from the general population in Sweden (n = 768). The total annual cost in the OCD group was M = 11941€ (95%CI [9915–13966]), compared to the control group M = 6380 € (95%CI [5461–7299]), corresponding to an estimated marginal mean cost of OCD of 5560 € per person and year (z = 4.99, p < .001). OCD was associated with significantly higher healthcare costs, parental absence from work and school productivity loss. OCD symptom severity was positively associated with higher costs. The total societal burden of pediatric OCD in Sweden was estimated to be 94.3 € million per year (95%CI [56.9–131.8]). These results have important implications for policy makers and for the allocation of healthcare resources. Similar studies are needed in other countries in order to estimate the global cost of the disorder.