Real-Time Distillation Column Simulator

PiDISTILL consists of distillation column separation process, several heat-exchangers, column reboiler and a storage tank simulation, as shown on Figure 1.  PIDISTILL allows to each student and/or professor to play (increase and/or decrease) with all inlet and outlet distillation flows, such as: feed, reflux, recycle and distillate flows and to observe how these changes affect distillation temperature profile, distillation column and tank levels and top and bottom product purities.  Users can learn and understand how to run the distillation column in a steady state and non-steady state manner.  Users can observe the trends of all measured variables, such as: flows, pressures, levels, temperatures and control valve positions and save them in the Excel file for further analysis and study.  This powerful option gives them better and more simplified approach for calculation of theoretical heat and mass balance equations, McCabe-Thiele diagram, Total, Minimum and Optimal Reflux Ratio, or even for empirical static and/or dynamic transfer function and other model identification.  The users can easily compare their calculation results with the simulator step-tests and saved data.

Moreover, the PiDISTILL simulator consists of several PID control loops.  After mastering the basics of a distillation separation process and its performance the simulator also gives an ability to understand the need and power of a process control.  The users can fearlessly play with the distillation column, change PID control loop tuning parameters in real-time without no possibility of process or plant problems or a shutdown.  PiDISTILL converts any computer into a distillation plant and DCS/PLC dynamic simulator, where the users can change setpoints, PID control loop tuning parameters, open and close the control valves and observe how these changes will affect complete distillation unit performance, all in real-time mode.  PiDISTILL, as practical distillation column simulator can mimic all typical behaviors of a distillation process providing valuable knowledge, understanding and experience which students can directly use in any separation industry.  With increasing emphasis on training, safety, reliability, and stricter government regulations, PiDISTILL is expected to be a required software module in modern chemical engineering subjects and laboratories for all technical universities and colleges worldwide.

For technical help and additional details on PiDISTILL and to get free trial software please contact PiControl Solutions Company via email: [email protected] or by Tel: (832) 495 6436.