Experimental Studies of a Petlyuk Column and Validation of a Non‐Equilibrium Stage Model

Integrated distillation equipment like the Petlyuk column offers enormous energy‐saving potential. However, high complexity and few available experimental data lead to high uncertainty. An integrated approach to reduce this risk is proposed. The first study on the influence of relative volatilities on the process behavior is presented. Comprehensive pilot‐plant experiments are displayed for three different component systems of linear alcohols. The experiments are carried out for a wide range of operating conditions. Results show a stable operation and high product purities. Based on the experimental data, a predictive non‐equilibrium stage model for column design is validated. Experiment and simulation indicate good agreement. Process integration of unit operations is an important field of current research activities in academia and industry. Integrated distillation equipment like the Petlyuk column exhibits significant energy‐saving potential. A pilot‐plant scale Petlyuk column was operated for three reference systems, and a non‐equilibrium simulation model was validated using the presented experimental data.