PACKED-COLUMN DISTILLATION SIMULATION WITH A RATE-BASED METHOD

A simulation algorithm using a rate-based model is proposed for multic omponent packed column distillation. The packed column sections are di vided into small segments for the modeling. For each packing segment, (6c + 7) MERQ equations are set up and solved by an equation-tearing m ethod with two calculation loops. Calculation of the whole column cons ists of an iterative segment-wise algorithm with the correction of the bulk vapor composition by the overall normalized theta method for acc eleration. The numerical characteristics of the proposed algorithm and some remarks on its application are illustrated using numerical examp les and experimental data obtained from a pilot-scale plant.