Reaction‐separation interaction on the control of ideal two‐feed, two‐product exothermic reactive distillation columns

Abstract

AbstractIn this paper, the interaction of reaction and separation in an optimal design of an ideal, hypothetical, exothermic, quaternary (A + B↔C + D) reactive distillation (RD) system is explored. The relative volatilities of the components are αC:αA:αB:αD = 8:4:2:1. The closed loop dynamics of the column are evaluated for five different decentralized control structures. The prevention of the accumulation of light reactant A is crucial for successful control. A drastic improvement in the controllability is observed for a modified design of the RD system having a greater number of reactive trays as the accumulation of A is effectively prevented. The controllability improvement is observed to be control structure specific. A comprehensive understanding of the interaction of reaction and separation is very helpful for the design of RD columns of improved controllability. Application of the plant‐wide control principles in the control of RD columns is highlighted.