In order to minimize operation transient times, a new distributed control strategy was performed in a distillation unit. Acting simultaneously by heating in tray 11 (stripping section), and cooling in tray 3 (rectifying section) of a distillation column, the control strategy was implemented using Aspen Hysys® with experimental validation. The new distributed control strategy showed a reduction of 0.32 h (19 min) in the transient time when a negative disturbance in the feed temperature was applied (−14 °C), and 0.37 h (22 min) when a positive disturbance in the feed temperature was applied (+14 °C), compared to conventional control. Variations in internal flow rates, as well as temperatures and compositions, were punctual (just where there is control action) and did not affect the steady-state after the disturbance rejection, when compared to conventional control. Distributed-action approach reduced heat amount transferred in the reboiler and reflux flow rate, due to the association with the heat added/removed in trays, evidencing the soft distribution of the control action along the entire column height. Thus, this new distributed control strategy with simultaneous corrective action between top and bottom of the distillation unit allows a significant reduction in transient times, improving plant productivity.

为了最小化操作瞬态时间，在蒸馏单元中执行了新的分布式控制策略。通过在蒸馏塔的塔板11（汽提区）和冷却塔板3（精馏区）中同时作用，控制策略是通过AspenHysys®进行实验验证的。新的分布式控制策略显示，在给料温度施加负干扰（−14°C）时，过渡时间减少了0.32 h（19分钟），而在给料中出现正干扰时，过渡时间减少了0.37 h（22 min）与常规对照相比，温度为（+14°C）。内部流量以及温度和成分的变化是准时的（仅在有控制作用的地方），并且不会影响干扰消除后的稳态，与常规控制相比。由于与塔盘中添加/除去的热量相关联，因此采用分布式作用的方法减少了在再沸器中传递的热量和回流流速，这证明了控制作用在整个塔高度上的柔和分布。因此，这种新的分布式控制策略在蒸馏单元的顶部和底部之间具有同时的纠正措施，可以显着减少过渡时间，从而提高工厂的生产率。