Method of optimizing product output rate of packed columns

Abstract

A product output rate for a packed column is optimized by setting a desired product output rate from the distillation column, calculating a fraction of flood point of the distillation column at a reflux ratio, and determining a pressure drop value within the distillation column at the fraction of flood point. The step of determining the pressure drop employs the method of producing a plot of pressure drop as a function of fraction of flood point at any liquid flow rate, or producing a mathematical expression thereof. The method of optimizing a product output rate from a distillation column then includes calculating a pressure at a point in the distillation column for a pressure at a different point in the distillation column, calculating the pressure drop within the distillation column of a given length, calculating a temperature corresponding to the calculated pressure at a point in the distillation column, and adjusting the desired product output rate or the reflux ratio or the pressure at a different point in the distillation column.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.