(AODCS)
Formats: Interactive Web, CD-ROM

O V E R V I E W

This interactive training unit is designed to familiarize trainees with the basic principles of operation of systems that control distillation processes.  After completing this unit, trainees should be able to describe typical material balance and energy balance control loops and explain how these control loops respond to process disturbances. They should also be able to describe how a distillation tower is operated to maintain product specifications.

O B J E C T I V E S

Balances

·         Explain what is meant by material balance and identify typical variables.

·         Explain what is meant by energy balance and identify typical variables.

·         Describe typical material balance and energy balance control loops.

·         Define steady state operation and process disturbance.

·         Describe how a typical distillation tower control system responds to a process disturbance (change in feed composition).

Process Temperatures

·         Describe how a typical distillation tower control system responds to an increase in bottom temperature.

·         Explain how the following conditions affect the composition of a distillation

·         system’s overhead and bottom products: increase in bottom temperature, decrease in bottom temperature, and change in external reflux.

Product Composition

·         Explain the difference between direct and indirect composition measurements.

·         Explain what is meant by product giveaway.

·         Describe how a typical distillation tower is operated to maintain product specifications.

·         Explain what is meant by process lag.

S U B J E C T S

Balances

·         Material Balance

·         Energy Balance

·         Process Disturbances

Process Temperatures

·         Bottom Temperature

·         External Reflux

Product Composition

·         Product Specifications

·         Maintaining Specifications