Distillation is a process where a mixture of different chemicals is separated using different chemical boiling temperatures. Purification of products is the main application of distillation processes.

Phase separation (e.g. distillation) is responsible for up to 50 % of the total energy demand in process-based industries. Configuring heat exchangers to minimise heat losses is one way to cut back on consumption; another is to increase the energy efficiency of the distillation plant.

Measures to achieve this include:

• Using heat pumps for better heat integration
• Using efficient and optimised distillation trays or column packing for optimal mass transfer
• Using efficient demisters
• Checking and preventing fouling in column internals and demisters
• Cleaning reboilers to improve heat transfer
• Operating close to the minimum reflux ratio (lowering reboiling points)
• Organising startup and shutdown plans even in critical situations like extreme weather conditions
• Constantly monitoring the process and adjusting (with large fluctuations, different feed entrances are needed)