Mathematical Model of a Pilot Plant Distillation Column

The mathematical model of the pilot plant binary distillation column developed is described. The binary mixture is composed of isopropyl alcohol and water. The steady behaviour of the distillation column has been used to identify the transfer function model. The obtained transfer function model is first order plus time delay. The experimental open loop test is conducted to identify the linear model of the pilot plant distillation column. The test is conducted by introducing small step change in the reboiler electric power and obtained the responses of the tray temperatures. Similarly, introducing the step change in reflux flow to record the tray temperatures