Optimal operation of Kaibel distillation columns

The objective of this paper is to study the Kaibel distillation column from an operability point of view. Two different objectives, namely minimizing energy requirement at fixed product purities and maximizing product purities with a fixed boilup are considered. We have visualized the objective functions for the two cases as a function of operational degrees of freedom and conclude that operation with fixed product purities is the more difficult case from control point of view.

► Study two modes of operation for Kaibel column. ► Minimizing energy with given product purities: Difficult to handle because of narrow solution surface. ► Product purities free: Easier to handle.