An investigation of the interactions between system characteristics and controllability for reactive distillation systems

Reactive distillation is an emerging process intensification technology, although its operation and control are complex due to the interactions between reaction separation within column. In this work, impact of separation, as well design parameters, on controllability reactive processes investigated, using a systematic methodology developed. Case studies industrial interest considered, varying in key (reaction, design) order investigate relative latter systems. It shown that system with slower kinetics demonstrates increased difficulty rejecting feed disturbances for both one point (V-only) two-point (LV) configurations. Even when linear model predictive (MPC) considered based state-space representation model, still more difficult control, set change load disturbance. also revision optimal steady state variables, such total number stages, may be beneficial process. The importance maintaining ratio stoichiometric identified discussed, failure do so result maintain product purities two considered.