Methods and systems for optimizing mechanical vapor compression and/or thermal vapor compression within multiple-stage processes

A multiple-stage, energy-integrated process comprising:

• (a) providing a plurality of process stages collectively configured for continuously or semi-continuously converting a feedstock into one or more products, wherein said plurality of process stages utilizes vapor-liquid phase changes;
• (b) providing a vapor-compression system, wherein said vapor-compression system includes at least a first vapor compressor and a second vapor compressor, wherein said first vapor compressor is a mechanical vapor compressor or a thermal vapor compressor, and wherein said second vapor compressor is a mechanical vapor compressor or a thermal vapor compressor;
• (c) sequentially arranging said first and second vapor compressors to increase pressure and condensing temperature of first vapors within a first process stage and second vapors within a second process stage that is downstream of, and thermally integrated with, said first process stage, thereby providing compressed first vapors and compressed second vapors;
• (d) directing at least a portion of said compressed first vapors to (i) said second process stage, (ii) a process stage, if any, that is downstream of said second process stage, (iii) a process stage, if any, that is upstream of said first stage, or (iv) combinations thereof;
• (e) optionally, directing at least a portion of said compressed second vapors to (i) said first process stage, (ii) a process stage, if any, that is upstream of said first stage, (iii) a process stage, if any, that is downstream of said second process stage, or (iv) combinations thereof;
• (f) optionally, directing a portion of said compressed first vapors back to said first process stage;
• and
• (g) optionally, directing at least a portion of said compressed second vapors back to said second process stage.