A new graphical design method is presented to simplify the configuration of heat-integrated distillation columns (HIDiCs) based on column grand composite curves (CGCCs). On the basis of the optimal arrangement of the side-exchangers on single rectifying (or on single stripping) section

the optimal design of side-exchangers located on HIDiCs thermal coupling section will be determined by combining with the integrated diagram from CGCCs of rectifying and stripping sections and maximizing the available reduced total exergy loss of HIDiC. As a case study

a styrene-ethylbenzene HIDiC is simulated to demonstrate the accuracy and rationality of the graphical method. The results show that the available reduced total exergy loss of HIDiC reaches the maximum (1.951 MW)

and the condenser and reboiler duties are reduced by 63.6% and 68.4% after side heat exchangers arrangement

respectively. For achieving this goal

the side-exchangers should be placed on the 2nd

12th and 38th stages of the rectifying and on the 20th

28th and 36th stages of the stripping sections

respectively. Their heat duties are 0.841 MW

1.496 MW and 2.053 MW

respectively.