Operation of Integrated Three-Product (Petlyuk) Distillation Columns

We consider operation and control of the Petlyuk design. The degrees of freedom are analyzed especially at steady state. These results together with steady-state solution curves help describe the complex plant dynamics and possible optimization strategies. We also propose control schemes for controlling three and four product compositions. The results indicate that there may be serious problems involved in operating the Petlyuk column, at least for high-purity separations.