Dynamic Simulation of High Purity Distillation Column

This report presents a research study on dynamic simulation ofhigh purity distillation column via
MATLAB.The dynamic nature and the nonlinear behaviour ofdistillation equipment pose
challenging control system design when products ofconstant purity are to be recovered.
Several alternative column configurations and operating policies have been studied.
However, issues related to the online operation of such process have not been properly
addressed. The present work describes the investigation with experimental verification of
computer based control strategies to distillation. The scope ofwork for the project is to
conduct a literature review on dynamic behaviour of high purity distillation column The
study provides a method ofstudying the dynamic behaviour ofcolumn comprising the steps
of: a) generating a principle steady state and dynamic model corresponding to the distillation
process; b) simulating the dynamic model for different operating condition via MATLAB; c)
Develop output trend towards changes in input via Pseudo Random Binary Sequence
(PRBS); e) Develop step response of first order process ; and f) obtain the gain and time
constant for any changes ofcolumn operating condition through first order process response
for control purposes A distillation model with 41-stage column with the overhead condenser
as stage 1, the feed tray as stage 21 and the reboiler as stage 41 is used. The findings show
that the models represent an ideal distillation column. All the research and findings obtained
will be used to improve the overall performance ofthe column as well as to improve the
quality ofthe product and maximise profitability. The successful outcome of this project will
be a great helping hand for industrial application.
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