Non–linear dynamic studies in Distillation columns: A Case study of industrial effluent

Abstract

Abstract This work addresses the non-linear behaviour of distillation columns when there is an inappropriate selection of control variable in a system. An industrial effluent discharged from semi-conductor and pharmaceutical industries has been taken as a case study. A small disturbance in feed flow rate and feed composition has resulted in a ramp-like response of a recycle stream which has occurred due to the material imbalance in the system. This non-linearity in the process has been resolved by the selection of appropriate control variable.