2 ◾  Distillation Control, Optimization, and Tuning
1. The process variables for continuous binary distillation
columns and four basic control strategies
2. The distillate and bottoms product quality performance
objectives
3. The tuning of process control loops
When you finish this course, you will understand the fundamental separation and purification concepts to be achieved
by a distillation column and the functional criteria that are
critical for successful implementation of process control.
Concepts for measuring and optimizing product quality performance will also be understood. You will also learn how
process control loops for distillation columns can be tuned
for stable operation with a balance between minimum variability from setpoint changes and excellent response to load
disturbances. By approaching the subject this way, you will
gain a fundamental understanding that can guide decisions
for the design, operation, and troubleshooting of distillation
process control systems.
This book is written from a perspective that was developed
as the result of 37 years of industrial research at The Dow
Chemical Company that focused on inventing, developing, and
implementing industrial separation and purification processes.
The work process for research and development is the scientific method, which will now be described.
The Scientific Method
1. Define the problem and the opportunity.
2. Search and understand the state of the art.
3. Develop a hypothesis, that is, a concept or a model.
4. Design and run experiments to test the validity of the
hypothesis.
5. Evaluate, summarize, and document the results.