| Abstract: | The steady state operation of an industrial multi-feed, multi-component reboiled absorber column which was previously investigated by Petryschuk (1964) has been simulated by two alternate mathematical models — an equilibrium stage model and a tray efficiency model based on the Murphree tray efficiency concept. Development of the models required the use of a set of physical property estimation procedures which differed from those used by the previous investigator. When subjected to parametric variation studies, both new models successfully reproduce known quantitative and qualitative behavior attributed to the column. The study results demonstrate not only the sensitivity of a simulation of a multicomponent separation process upon physical property estimation procedures, but also indicates the difficulty in model discrimination when plant data of only limited range and accuracy is available. |
