Tsochatzidi, A.; Arvanitidis, A.L.; Georgiadis, M.C. Model Based Optimization of Energy Consumption in Milk Evaporators. Processes2024, 12, 209.
Tsochatzidi, A.; Arvanitidis, A.L.; Georgiadis, M.C. Model Based Optimization of Energy Consumption in Milk Evaporators. Processes 2024, 12, 209.
Tsochatzidi, A.; Arvanitidis, A.L.; Georgiadis, M.C. Model Based Optimization of Energy Consumption in Milk Evaporators. Processes2024, 12, 209.
Tsochatzidi, A.; Arvanitidis, A.L.; Georgiadis, M.C. Model Based Optimization of Energy Consumption in Milk Evaporators. Processes 2024, 12, 209.
Abstract
This work explores five falling film evaporator (FFE) simulation approaches combined with energy consumption minimization strategies, namely Mechanical Vapor Recompression and Thermal Vapor Recompression (MVR and TVR respectively). Global system analysis and advanced dynamic optimization strategies are then investigated to minimize steam consumption, the cost of steam, the total annualized cost and maximizing product yield. The results indicate that a higher TVR discharge pressure, or MVR compression ratios, along with higher feed temperatures enhance evaporation with but increase operational costs. The most economic option includes three evaporator effects with TVR for achieving 50% product dry mass content. However, for a 35% dry mass content, MVR becomes cost-effective with an 11% reduction in unit electricity prices or a simultaneous 7% drop in electricity prices and a 5% increase in gas-based steam prices. Furthermore, switching from milk powder production to milk concentrates, an annual cost reduction ranging from 10.75 to 44% is achieved. Also, a forecasted 20% (or more) reduction of biomass-based steam cost can lead to lower annual expenditure comparing with the nominal NG-based steam Case. Regarding the total annualized cost, for a new plant design, optimization strategies lead to a 9 - 45% reduction in the total cost depending on the Case under consideration.
Keywords
Milk industry; Falling film evaporator; Thermal vapor recompression; Mechanical vapor recompression; Dynamic optimization; Global system analysis.
Subject
Engineering, Chemical Engineering
Copyright:
This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
