Modelling of a 4×4 Multivariable Distillation Column Using Pulse Function-Based System Identification
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22153/kej.2026.02.004Keywords:
Pulse function; modelling of distillation column; system identification; MIMO systemsAbstract
Distillation columns are considered the most essential units in chemical and petrochemical industries, particularly in oil refineries. This study aims to create and evaluate the empirical model for a multicomponent distillation column. An experimental model was constructed to represent the nonlinear behaviour of the column. The column is treated as a multi-input multi-output dynamic system. The industrial distillation columns used in this study has a diameter of 2.2 m and a height of 16.6 m. It is equipped with 20 valve trays. The process currently operates at Al-Doura Refinery as a part of the Midland Refinery Company in eastern Baghdad, Iraq. To find the model that describes the system, four manipulated variables (reflux flow rate, reboiler heat duty, the light component fraction in the feed and feed flow rate) and four controlled output variables (the light component fraction in the top product, the light component fraction in the bottom, the flow rate of the top product and the flow rate of the bottom product) were selected. The experiments were conducted by applying a pulse for 300 s to each of the manipulated variables while keeping the remaining variables constant. A 4×4 matrix consisting of 16 transfer functions (most of them are second order) was obtained. Each equation represents the relationship between the manipulated and controlled variables. These equations form the base for advanced control strategies such as fuzzy logic control, model predictive control or and other modern control approaches.
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