Heat integration through mechanical vapor recompression – approaches for assessing the feasibility of MVR scenarios

Mechanical vapor recompression (MVR) is a widely used heat integration method for distillation processes. But so far no systematic work has been conducted on the applicability of MVR-Systems for binary mixtures in single distillation columns. In this work, a systematic evaluation of MVR for binary distillation tasks is presented with the aim of identifying the technical and economic envelopes in which heat pump-assisted distillation outperforms conventional setups. A comprehensive literature review and meta-analysis of published MVR case studies is conducted to support the identification of beneficial conditions. A theoretical thermodynamic analysis of the distillation process with and without MVR is carried out, identifying the required driving temperature gradient in the column reboiler as the crucial parameter. Combining both approaches, it is possible to point out the optimum trade-off between economic viability and thermodynamic efficiency, with particular focus on the maximum allowable temperature gradient. This enables quick assessment of the suitability of mechanical vapor recompression for binary mixtures. • Mechanical vapor recompression (MVR) as heat integration method for distillation processes. • Discussion about influencing parameters on the Coefficient of Performance (COP) based on a literature review and meta data analysis. • Analysis of thermodynamic separation efficiency identifies driving temperature gradient at the column reboiler as crucial parameter to assess MVR scenarios. • The economic feasibility of MVR is demonstrated by correlating the energy price ratio with the driving temperature gradient in the reboiler of the distillation column.