REDUCED MODELS FOR SEPARATION PROCESSES IN REAL-TIME SIMULATORS

In this work, the real-time dynamic simulation of separation processes is considered, which overcomes the inconvenience of the large dimensionality of the mathematical models and takes into consideration abnormal working conditions. The use of reduced models with an adaptive collocation scheme is suggested. The adaptive collocation scheme is necessary because under failure or abnormal operation, large discrepancies between local conditions at some stages and the overall system may appear. In this case a 'perturbation front' moving along the column may be produced during the transient. This behavior may produce a local increase of the steepness in the composition profile. The use of absorption factors is suggested in order to relate the local operative conditions of the column to the local 'steepness' of the composition profiles.