The Distillation Process is used in many industries to separate mixtures into components. It is defined as a process in which a liquid or vapor mixture of two or more substances is separated into its component fractions of desired purity by the application and removal of heat. The application and removal of heat makes the distillation process energy intensive as it is consuming up to 50 percent of a refinery’s operating costs due to intense heating and cooling cycles. Having accurate measurements to feed the control system is critical for energy efficient, safe and reliable operation.
Improving distillation columns has always been challenging as problems can occur when operators and engineers have insufficient information about operating conditions. Failing to properly monitor and control process variables can result in decreased product quality and throughput, increased energy costs and unsafe operations that put employees and capital equipment at risk.