Control structure selection for four-product Petlyuk column

► This is a first control study on a four-product extended Petlyuk column. ► Four-product extended Petlyuk column can offer energy savings up to 50% compared to the conventional distillation columns. ► We propose simple decentralized control structures and test for large disturbances. ► The design of robust control structures is at a nominal point close to theoretical minimum energy. ► Conclusions are generic and can be applied to feed mixtures of different volatilities and compositions.