Abstract
Application of advanced control
techniques to a two-shell, two- pressure
distillation column has yielded stable
operation with reduced utility consumption
and increased capacity. Prior to the
application of advanced controls this
column was a plant capacity limit and
composition control was very difficult.
The advanced controls now allow
composition to be controlled within 15% of
setpoint at both ends of the column.
Specific energy consumption has been
reduced significantly, yielding higher
potential capacity.
The control strategies implemented include
analyzer composition control, constraint
control, shell load balancing and pressure
minimization. The key to successful
control of this column is the load
balancing strategy which maintains
continuous vapor and liquid profiles
throughout the tower.
Morrison, T. A.; Laflamme, D. (1991). Improving the Performance of a Two-Shell Column with Advanced Control. Energy Systems Laboratory (http://esl.eslwin.tamu.edu). Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /92244.