Analytically derived transfer function matrix is reported in this papcr for describing the dynamic behaviour of the compositions within the rectifying and stripping sections of long distillation column. First order lag matrices are shown to describe the column behnvioiir. Large signal steady-state solutions are derived to provide parametric data for small signal partial differential equations (PDE). Results accords well with the findings of previous authors including McMoran (1971), Shinskey (1967 and Stainthorp (1973) based on part impirical, approximate analytical by or purely simulation methods of Rosenbrock (1966) and an accurate derivations of the analytical model by Tabrizi (1986), (1986). Near first order behaviour is also a feature common to the findings of these earlier investigations, but. only with end vessels of very small or very large capacitance.
INTltODUCTIONProcess models are derived in the form of a matrix of transfer function for ptredicting process behaviour in response to small disturbances in vapour rate and top product. The near symmetrical resporiscs are obtained in the stripping and rectifying sections to changes i n vapour rate V and distillate rate D (=V-L). Experience of the author has shown that progress towards deriving analytical t r a d e r function, is only practicable in the presence of column symmetry. The rectifier and stripping section must be built and operated in a symmetrical manner, end vessels a t top and bottom [nust be i n some sence similar and the equilibrium curve shall be symmetrical about the minus 45' line. Approximations made by most othcr authors in earlier analytical work have implicitly involved symmetry. The problem has been just. how to translate precisely this rather vague concept of symmetry (leading to analytical tractability) into physical column operation and construction. The author has been successful with Edwards in earlier reported research (Edwards and Nassehzadeh Tabrizi (1968)) in setting up conceptually a precisely symmetrical system that leads to a precisely derived transfer-function matrix model TFM. The question then arises as to how robust such a model is in approximating margirlally asymmetric systems. The present paper is therefore presented on earlier unreported work of the author before thc symmetry breakthrough was achieved. The systcrn studied analytically is only approximately symmetrical but thc approximate analytical TFM derived yields predicted results that accord reasonably well with simulation and is consistent with the idcal symmetrical systcm behaviour. i i l t h o~g h concerning work that predates the aulhori rigorous, symmetrical system Edwards and Nissehzadeh Tabrizi (1086), lhe present paprr should be of niore historical interest in as much as it demonstrates thc robustness of the fully symmetrical analysis. Furtilermore, in the approximation analysis carried out, it was realized that progress to a theoretical solution was only practicable if approximations were made in an attempt to produce symmetry of the system equation...