NSF Org:	CBET Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems
Recipient:	THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE UNIVERSITY
Initial Amendment Date:	February 20, 1991
Latest Amendment Date:	January 10, 1992
Award Number:	9020749
Award Instrument:	Continuing Grant
Program Manager:	MILTON J LINEVSKY CBET  Division of Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental, and Transport Systems ENG  Directorate for Engineering
Start Date:	March 1, 1991
End Date:	August 31, 1993 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount:	$150,056.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date:	$150,056.00
Funds Obligated to Date:	FY 1991 = $85,979.00 FY 1992 = $64,077.00
History of Investigator:	Friedrich Helfferich (Principal Investigator) Ying-Long Hwang (Co-Principal Investigator)
Recipient Sponsored Research Office:	Pennsylvania State Univ University Park 201 OLD MAIN UNIVERSITY PARK PA  US  16802-1503 (814)865-1372
Sponsor Congressional District:	15
Primary Place of Performance:	DATA NOT AVAILABLE
Primary Place of Performance Congressional District:
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI):	NPM2J7MSCF61
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s):	Interfacial Engineering Progra
Primary Program Source:
Program Reference Code(s):
Program Element Code(s):	141700
Award Agency Code:	4900
Fund Agency Code:	4900
Assistance Listing Number(s):	47.041

ABSTRACT

The project aims at developing a phenomenological model for describing distillation-column dynamics for multicomponent systems. For improving practical design and control of fractionation columns the model appropriately describes the critical nonlinear and distributed nature of column dynamics with a mathematical framework which is concise enough for on- line control (e.g. feed forward controllers), control system analysis, and column design. The ultimate goal is to make distillation columns operable at lower reflux ratios, and thus to lower energy consumption. Better fundamental understanding of column dynamics will make it possible to upgrade existing columns and design new ones which are less sensitive to disturbances. The research approach is based on the multicomponent coherence theory of simpler countercurrent separation processes such as fixed-bed chromatography theory. The theory is expanded by including the dynamics of reflux and reboil, interaction between two or more sections, and heat effects. The theory and the dynamic model are tested by comparison with experimental results. Experiments are carried out in an industrial laboratory with a pilot-plant-scale, computer controlled distillation column properly equipped with a fast gas chromatography system for on-line composition anonitoring.

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