Energy-saving investigation and techno-economic analysis of separation of ibuprofen sodium mother liquor using thermally coupled distillation.

To further reduce the energy consumption, investment and operation cost of the distillation process, DWC-B and FTCDC are used to strengthen the separation process of ibuprofen sodium mother liquor. Based on the process simulation results, thermodynamic efficiency, economic and environmental impact assessment were carried out and compared with the benchmarked CTCD process. DWC-B and FTCDC have obvious advantages in economy, energy saving and environmental impact. Compared with the benchmarked CTCD process, the FTCDC process is more attractive economically, and its total annual cost is reduced by about 7.83%. The thermodynamic efficiency of DWC-B is 17.62%, and the CO 2 emission is reduced by 11.39%. Compared with the benchmarked CTCD process, DWC-B and FTCDC have the advantages of high thermodynamic efficiency, low economic cost and low CO 2 emission with a great industrial application prospect. [Display omitted] • DWC-B and FTCDC have significant advantages in reducing energy consumption and saving TAC. • The FTCDC was more attractive on TAC saving with the value of 7.81%. • The thermodynamic efficiency of DWC-B is 17.62% and the CO 2 emissions is reduced by 11.39%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]