This work investigated the full design,
startup, operation, and
control of a Kaibel divided-wall column (KDWC) for a laboratory-scale
KDWC. The KDWC is designed to separate mixtures of methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, and n-butanol on the basis
of a rigorous model. Effective steady-state and dynamic operation
strategies are then proposed to control the practical operation of
the KDWC. The proposed startup operation strategy, including total
reflux, batch rectification, and continuous rectification procedures,
leads to a steady state, and the steady-state design method is verified
through steady-state experiments. The dynamic control strategy including
a four-temperature control loop is further proposed and shows effective
and precise dynamic control performance, recovering the four products
to the specified values in the presence of ±20% feed disturbances.
This work provides deep insight into the realization and control of
a practical KDWC and will increase the possibility of industrial achievement
and optimal operation of the KDWC.