Assignment

1. Figure 1 shows a flash drum separator. Propose a feedback control to control the
following variable:
a. Feedflow rate
b. Temperature in the column
c. Pressure in the column
d. Level of the column

State the objective, control variable and manipulated variable of each control control loop.

Figure 1 Flash drum

2. Figure 2 shows a distillation column that is integrated with reactor. Overhead vapor from
a distillation column passes through a partial condenser. The uncondensed portion
(vapor phase) is fed into a vapor-phase reactor. The condensed portion (liquid phase) is
used for reflux in the distillation column. The vapor fed to the reactor can also come from
a vaporizer which is fed from a surge tank.

Figure 2 Chemical Plant

Design a control system that includes the following control objectives:

i. Total flow to reactor is controlled by vapor feed flow.

ii. Vapor pressure in pipeline from reflux drum is controlled by vapor flow leaving
the reflux drum
iii. Reflux drum level is controlled by distillate flow to the surge tank
iv. Pressure in vaporizer is controlled by flow of steam in
3. Propose suitable process control strategies for the distillation column.

Figure 3 Distillation column