An analytical study of the dynamics of long tray type distillation column

An analytically derived transfer function matrix is reported for describing the dynamic behavior of the compositions with the rectifying and stripping sections of a long distillation column. First-order lag matrices are shown to describe the column behavior. Large-signal steady-state solutions are derived to provide parametric data for small-signal partial differential equations. Results accord well with the findings of the previous authors. In particular, it has been noted from the simulations carried out that an increase in vapor rate causes top and bottom compositions to separate, whereas an increase in top-product flow causes both compositions to fall