Optimal operation and stabilising control of the concentric heat-integrated distillation column (HIDiC)

A systematic control structure design method is applied on the concentric heatintegrated distillation column (HIDiC) separating benzene and toluene. A degrees of freedom analysis is provided for identifying potential manipulated and controlled variables. Optimal operation is mapped and active constraints are identified for constructing the supervisory control layer. The fundamental problem of obtaining a stabilising control structure is addressed resulting in the regulatory control layer design. A supervisory control layer is devised and combined with the regulatory control layer. The control structure is finally evaluated by dynamic simulation for proving an acceptable performance.