Dynamic optimization of a dividing-wall column using model predictive control

► Ternary separation of a mixture benzene-toluene-xylene (BTX) by distillation. ► Advanced control strategies based on model predictive control (MPC). ► Dynamic optimization of a BTX dividing-wall column (DWC). ► Implicit energy minimization using an extra-loop manipulating the liquid split. ► Significantly better performance of MPC as compared to PID based controllers.