Statistical Process Control of Debutanizer Column

Distillation process in distillation column is a challenging process as it is subjected to disturbances and interruptions that sometime cannot be controlled or predicted. The main concern in any distillation column or process is the quality of the main product produced. To control and monitor the quality of the main product also proves as a challenge. The right implementation of control strategies could help the distillation column to produce conforming product with desired quality. Therefore, Statistical Process Control (SPC) is introduced with the aim to identify the variations affecting the process, thus controlling and monitoring the quality of the end product of distillation column. The relationship between the product compositions and the process variables also being investigated using the statistical method. The debutanizer column at PETRONAS Penapisan Terengganu Sdn Bhd (PPTSB), an oil refinery plant will be the subject for this SPC research. The methodology to implement SPC is constructed and Individual Control Charts will be used to determine the state of the process. The finding of this project shows that the Manipulate Variables and Temperature Variable have the most significant relationship with the top product composition. The quality of the top product also affected by the changes made in the manipulated variables as shown on each of the individual. The findings are very helpful in suggesting what variables are crucial to be taken care of to maintain the quality of the product.