ENCH 529 - PROCESS DYNAMICS AND CONTROL

INSTRUCTIONS FOR VIRTUAL LABORATORY E5 The accompanying zip files posted on the ENCH 529 Blackboard site comprise a Simulink model of a binary distillation column with 40 ideal stages and a total condenser. The major assumptions are constant relative volatility (alpha = 1.5) and constant molal overflow. The feed enters the column at tray 20 as a saturated liquid. Proportional-Integral level controllers have been installed to regulate the molar holdup of liquid in the overhead accumulator and column base. It has been further assumed that tower pressure is constant and that the vapour boilup rate can be directly manipulated. The model is a slightly enhanced version of that referred to as "Column A" in Skogestad (1997). A detailed description of the original model development was presented as Module 10 of Bequette (1998). The programs in "ench_529_open_loop_column_model_2013.zip" will enable you to examine the open-loop composition dynamics of the fractionator by making step changes in reflux, boilup, feed flowrate and feed composition. To do so, first open "init_binary_column_open_loop.m" and specify the size of change in one of these variables as a fraction of its initial steady-state value. (Step changes on the order of 1% are recommended for reflux flowrate and vapour boilup and 10% for feed flowrate and feed mole fraction light key.) Then type in the following at the MATLAB command prompt: init_binary_column_open_loop, sim('binary_column_open_loop'), after_binary_column_open_loop The latter file plots trends of the relevant variables and saves the data in a text file ("binary_column_open_loop.txt") which could be imported into Excel if you wished, though this is not necessary to complete the assignment. You should describe in your report the response of mole fraction light key (LK) in the distillate and bottoms products to these step disturbances. Make sure to comment upon the linearity and settling time of each relationship and fit a first-order-plus-deadtime model between boilup and bottoms LK impurity. Finally, you are required to design a bottoms composition controller using the programs in "ench_529_bottom_loop_column_model_2013.zip". Tune this PI regulator (by adjusting parameters kcb and tib in "init_binary_column_bottom_loop.m") using the model-based tuning method of your choice. Then study its performance in response to step disturbances in reflux, feed flowrate and feed composition using the commands: init_binary_column_bottom_loop, sim('binary_column_bottom_loop'), after_binary_column_bottom_loop

Ensure you that you provide justification for the action of the composition controller (direct or increase-increase) and a thorough discussion of your results. References Bequette, B.W. (1998). Process Dynamics: Modeling, Analysis and Simulation. Prentice Hall PTR, Upper Saddle River, NJ. Skogestad, S. (1997). Dynamics and control of distillation columns - A tutorial introduction. Distillation and Absorption 1997, Maastricht, The Netherlands.