Operation of a Binary Distillation Column - Level 1

Course Content

• BASICS OF DISTILLATION

  • Volatility of pure compounds: boiling point, vapor pressure.
  • Properties of simple hydrocarbon mixtures.
  • Sensible and latent heat: definitions, differences in magnitude and their association with changes of physical state, i.e., vaporization and condensation.
  • Behavior of mixtures in distillation: dew and bubble points, incomplete condensation and vaporization, liquid-vapor separation and distribution of lights and heavy compounds.
  • Relation between temperature, pressure and the composition of the products.

• ANALYSIS OF OPERATING PARAMETERS USING THE VIRTUAL COLUMN

  • Familiarization with simulator controllers, face plates, trends and control loops.
  • Study of the circuits, instrumentation and control loops around the column.
  • Principles of a distillation column: liquid and vapor traffic, role of the condenser and reboilers, trays and packing.
  • Analysis of the operating conditions: significance of measured values and calculated variables.
  • Mass balance, representation of the separation, pressure profiles, composition profiles, temperature profiles, illustrating the link between these profiles and the operating parameters.

• STUDY THE OPERATING PARAMETERS OF THE DISTILLATION COLUMN

  • Operating parameters of the column and analysis of their influences:
  • Reflux flow rate modifications: action, consequences on mass balance, purities, and internal profiles.
  • Flow rate of hot oil at the reboiler: modifications of the duty and consequences on the operating parameters.
  • Changes in feed characteristics: temperature, flow rate and composition.
  • Overhead pressure control, different control schemes, pressure modification and consequences.
  • Each case is studied using the following pedagogical approach:
  • Make a change to the column via controllers set point.
  • Analyze how column performance is affected in response to the change.
  • Compare the new steady state to the base case influence on cut point and fractionation capability.
  • Identify the consequences of the changes on associated equipment.

• SIMULATOR TRAINING

  • Exercises are conducted in small groups of 2 to 3 participants, each group operating its own virtual column. Each exercise includes: definition of the target exercise objective; adequate time to run the virtual columns; open analysis of the results, shared with all participants; and practical conclusions related to the operation of the columns.
  • Attendees are invited to bring descriptions of their specific column diagrams. Conclusions drawn from the exercises on the simulator can be transposed to other actual schemes.