ISBN 978-3-8439-5575-1

978-3-8439-5575-1, Reihe Apparatedesign

Lukas Grahl
Development, Characterization, and Automation of a Smart Distillation Unit for Modular Plants

178 Seiten, Dissertation Technische Universität Dortmund (2024), Softcover, A5

Zusammenfassung / Abstract

The German and European process industry is facing challenges due to global competition and dynamic markets, which are exacerbated by shortened product cycles. This dissertation addresses these problems with an integrated approach to modularization, automation and innovative apparatus design in the laboratory.

Modular, continuous and small-scale equipment in the laboratory is being investigated to shorten process development and increase flexibility. The term "plug&research" is introduced to describe the application of modular approaches in laboratory and process development and to promote flexibility in the rearrangement of process modules for experiments. The aim is to accelerate the process development of new products with short product life cycles. This includes modularization, a higher degree of automation and versatile equipment for efficient and cost-effective solutions. The work is divided into two main aspects: modular automation and characterization as well as process intensification of small-scale devices. Modular automation based on VDI/VDE/NAMUR 2658 enables a fast rearrangement of modules with reusable internal control logic. Process intensification by modifications to the spinning band column allow for versatile operation that can be adapted to different chemical systems and vacuum conditions. A detailed characterization of hydrodynamics and mass transfer under different conditions provides insights for the evaluation and feasibility studies of new component systems. This is demonstrated using an industrially relevant chemical system. The integration of modularization and automation using the example of the spinning band column offers a solution for Plug&Research in process development. This comprehensive approach offers a viable path for the accelerated development of chemical processes and promotes efficiency, flexibility and cost effectiveness.