In the present work

rigorous simulation and optimization are used for analysis and comparison

in terms of total annual cost (TAC)

five kinds of promising distillation configurations

including simple columns sequences with or without heat-integration

complex column with side-rectifier or side-stripper

and fully thermally coupled (dividing-wall column (DWC)). The analysis results show that the feed composition

the ease of separation index

or the ratio of the relative volatilities of the two pairs of adjacent components

and the separation extent have strong influence on the selection of the optimal distillation configuration. Based on the results of the analysis

influential factors for selecting the best distillation scheme for separating ternary mixtures are discussed.