Optimal cyclic reflux operational policy for ternary mixtures separation

The optimal control of a multicomponent batch distillation campaign with a variable reflux ratio, and, an analysis of the influence of different parameters such as total pressure at the top of the column, initial mixture composition, and tray hold-up, have been presented. This optimal control strategy is applied to the zeotropic ternary mixture case, a mixture of hydrocarbons. In this example, the structure of the optimal control becomes significantly closer and closer to the clear cyclic reflux policy as one considers the influence of the parameters mentioned above, which is important from th aspect of the usage in industry.