Development and Implementation of Dynamic Optimal Operation Policies for Distillation Columns

Abstract This study focuses on the development and implementation of optimal policies for distillation columns on real plants. A detailed dynamic model including a variety of physical properties is used. A modified decomposition approach is used to develop the optimal policies. A pilot packed column for the study of startup operations and an industrial semibatch column with chemical reaction in the reboiler are optimized to minimize the operation time. The developed optimal policies are implemented on the real plants. These verify the approach and provide new concepts to improve the process operation. Significant reduction of the operation time has been achieved compared with the conventional operation of the processes.