Control of an Extractive Distillation Plant

Abstract A new separation scheme for extractive distillation which uses a vapor sidestream is presented together with an appropriate control system. Starting with a simplified model of the dynamic behaviour, the influence of the level control loops is investigated and a multivariable control system is developed using state space methods. Simulation results and experimental investigations at a pilot plant show the high robustness and reliability of the control during startup and operation.