Optimization of distillation units using collocation models

Abstract Reduced‐order models are developed based on orthogonal collocation on finite elements for the steady‐state optimization of multicomponent distillation units. The formulation divides the column sections into subdomains (finite elements) to track irregularities in the column profiles accurately and requies that plates with discontinuities in the flows introduced by feedstreams or sidestreams should be treated as discrete equilibrium …