Design of a Dividing‐Wall Column Considering its Multiple Steady State Characteristic

Abstract

AbstractA dividing‐wall column (DWC) may have more than one solution of liquid and vapor split ratio for the same feed and product streams under a fixed number of stages and reflux ratio, so the multiple steady states (MSS) of a DWC in the design stage should be considered. An improved design method of a DWC is proposed by studying its MSS characteristics. Additional steps are inserted after optimization to check if MSS exist for the obtained optimal solution of vapor and liquid split ratio, and further to select the best candidate. Finally, two cases of three‐product DWCs are described to verify this method. The results indicate that multiple solutions exist for these cases, which confirm the necessity of this method and provide an important guidance for the flowing design of a DWC.