Rectification Column Temperature Profile Control for Binary Mixtures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling the concentration of components in rectification columns are energy-intensive and require complex modeling, often relying on costly instruments or unsatisfactory temperature control due to high temperature gradients, especially when dealing with binary mixtures.
Innovation Solution
A method using temperature sensors to define a control zone and approximate the temperature profile with logistic functions, allowing for the estimation of mass transfer zones and manipulation of coolant and steam rates to achieve desired product concentrations with reduced modeling complexity and computing power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex modeling and costly instruments are used for concentration control, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the temperature profile using logistic functions instead of requiring complex physical models or expensive measurement instruments. This mathematical approximation captures the essential behavior of the rectification column without the complexity of rigorous models, enabling concentration control through temperature measurements alone
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces costly instruments and complex modeling systems with simple logistic function approximations that require minimal computational resources and physical data. This approach uses readily available temperature measurements and simple mathematical functions instead of expensive analytical instruments
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional temperature control methods are used, then concentration control is achieved, but energy consumption increases due to high temperature gradients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using logistic functions to approximate temperature profiles in different sections of the rectification column independently. This allows for localized control strategies that adapt to the specific temperature characteristics of each section, reducing the need for high energy input across the entire column while maintaining concentration control precision
3Measurement precision
If rigorous models with extensive substance and apparatus data are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and data requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified mathematical copy of the complex physical system using logistic functions. Instead of requiring detailed knowledge of substance properties and apparatus characteristics, the logistic functions capture the essential temperature profile behavior, providing accurate concentration measurements without extensive data requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameters used for concentration control from requiring extensive physical and chemical data to using only temperature measurements and logistic function parameters. This parameter transformation simplifies the control system while maintaining measurement precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach simplifies the control process, reduces energy consumption, and allows for efficient concentration control with lesser physical data requirements, making it suitable for productive systems without the need for dedicated hardware, while maintaining product purity and material balance.
Implementation Method 1
a control zone defined by temperature sensors arranged in longitudinal direction of the column is linearized with the aid of an estimate of a temperature profile
Implementation Method 2
Rectification exploits the physical principle that the concentration of the low boiler in the vapor phase is higher than in the liquid phase. By contrast with distillation, this process is repeated several times
Implementation Method 3
At each separation stage, as in the case of distillation, a respective phase equilibrium is established
Implementation Method 4
a respective phase equilibrium is established. In the case of rectification, the substance having lower vapor pressure is called high boiler, and that having higher vapor pressure low boiler
Implementation Method 5
coolant valve
Implementation Method 6
steam valve
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of controlling a concentration of a first component of a rectification column for separating a binary mixture of the first component with a second component on the basis of temperature measurements, wherein a control path defined by temperature sensors (T3, T2, T6) arranged in the longitudinal direction of the column is linearized with the aid of an estimated temperature profile, wherein a real temperature profile T*(h), determined by means of the temperature sensors, is approximated by a function T(h) in dependence on a column height h, wherein the column id divided into two sections along the column height h and the function T(h) is defined section by section on the basis, in each case, of a logistical function.