A Digital-Twin Approach to Distillation Control Education

Abstract

Taube et al discuss a digital twin-based approach to distillation control education. The traditional methods of teaching process control often fail to provide practical lessons on distillation control. Distillation columns in modern chemical and petrochemical production facilities operate at tighter specifications and higher recovery rates, making control more challenging. The article highlights the need for continuing education and competence building in distillation process control. The current methods of teaching process control are highly abstract, resulting in a limited understanding of real-world applications. They propose the use of digital twin-based training simulations to bridge this gap. These simulations provide a platform for engineers, operators, and managers to learn about distillation operations in a hands-on and interactive manner.They also emphasize the importance of process understanding, control systems, process dynamics, and instrumentation in achieving desired plant performance. Digital twin models developed on process simulators offer a realistic representation of distillation processes and can be used for operator training.