Abstract:
Due to the importance of the distillation units in most of the processes, and the availability of data in the industry, this work explores detailed modeling and uses experimental data for statistical validation of a prototype distillation unit. For this purpose, a transient model has been developed in AVEVA Dynamic Simulation, based on data from an Armfield UOP3CC Distillation Unit. A supervisory interface allowed real-time monitoring and variable manipulation. An external controller module ensured the proportional and integral actions for a loop that manipulates the reboiler heat load to control stage temperature. The distillation unit is evaluated with a water-ethanol mixture and the mass fraction was estimated, in batch operation and different reflux configurations. At the top, a solenoid valve guarantees the return to the tower, and the concentrations achieved are close to the azeotropic point of the water-ethanol mixture. The dynamic model developed was compared to experimental data, and a time-based validation was performed from startup to steady states obtained for each profile. As a result, it is possible to indicate that the data-driven digital model built is a representative digital twin of the UOP3CC distillation unit with statistical reliability higher than 95%. Β© 2022 The Author(s)
