An Intensive 5-day Training Course
Distillation-Column Operation, Control & Troubleshooting
Optimizing Distillation Column Efficiency
INTRODUCTION
The distillation column is the heart of separation processes in the oil, gas, and petrochemical industries. Understanding its design, operation, and troubleshooting strategies is crucial for maintaining process efficiency, optimizing product yields, and ensuring plant reliability. This EuroMaTech training course on Distillation-Column Operation, Control & Troubleshooting provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and advanced practices required for efficient column performance.
Delegates will learn about the operational dynamics of tray and packed columns, key factors affecting separation efficiency, and best practices for controlling product quality and minimizing energy consumption. Emphasis will also be placed on analyzing column malfunctions, optimizing control loops, and improving process reliability.
Participants will develop skills to:
- Interpret column behavior and operational data for diagnostics
- Improve separation performance and product purity
- Optimize energy use and minimize operational instability
- Execute effective troubleshooting and maintenance plans
Whether working in refining, petrochemical, or chemical manufacturing sectors, professionals will gain valuable insights to contribute meaningfully to their plant’s performance and reliability.
TRAINING OBJECTIVES
This Distillation-Column Operation, Control & Troubleshooting training course aims to enable participants to:
- Master the principles of distillation column operation and design
- Monitor and interpret key performance indicators
- Identify root causes of poor separation or product contamination
- Apply troubleshooting techniques to minimize column downtime
- Improve tray and packing efficiency through effective diagnostics
- Optimize process control strategies to enhance column stability and product output
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
This training course is ideal for technical professionals involved in distillation column operation and performance, including:
- Lead Operators and Process Boardmen (LO & BO)
- Process Engineers and Chemical Engineers
- Maintenance and Reliability Engineers
- Instrumentation and Control Technicians
- Technical Supervisors Responsible for Operations and Troubleshooting
TRAINING METHODOLOGY
This highly practical course combines expert-led lectures with real-world case studies, simulations, group exercises, and problem-solving scenarios. Participants will explore column design parameters, control methodologies, and operational challenges through a blend of technical presentations and applied learning techniques.
- Formal technical presentations
- Interactive discussions and knowledge exchange
- Hands-on analysis of common troubleshooting cases
- Visual simulations of operational disturbances
- Group exercises using real plant scenarios
TRAINING SUMMARY
The Distillation-Column Operation, Control & Troubleshooting training course equips professionals with critical knowledge for enhancing column performance and addressing operational challenges. Participants will leave with actionable skills in energy optimization, process stabilization, and troubleshooting for tray and packed distillation columns. These capabilities are essential for ensuring optimal throughput, minimizing losses, and extending column life in today’s high-demand processing facilities.
TRAINING OUTLINE
Day 1: General Overview of Components of Distillation System
- Various Types of Distillation Columns (Stripper, Evaporator, Vacuum, Azeotrope)
- Specifics of Batch, Flash, and Multistage Distillation Process
- Relative Advantages of Tray and Packed Columns
- Stage Efficiency Determination Methods (Basic Level)
- Calculation of Overall Column Efficiency for Tray Columns
- Calculation Point and Tray Efficiencies
- Calculation of Number and Height of Transfer Units (TU) for Packing
- Impact of Variation of Rate of Reflux and Temperature on Column Efficiency
- Impact of Flooding and Foaming on Column Efficiency and Capacity
- Workshop: Case Studies
Day 2: Thermodynamics and Consideration of Equilibrium
- Vapour-Liquid Equilibrium: (Pure Components and Complex Mixtures)
- Volatility of Pure Components: Boiling Point and Vapor Pressure
- Concept of Sensible and Latent Heat
- Specifics of Mixtures in Distillation: Dew point and Bubble Point, Vaporization Curves, Total/partial Condensation and Vaporization, Liquid-Vapor Separation, and Distribution of Components According to Volatility
- Relation Between Temperature, Pressure, and Composition of Distillate and Residual
- Relative Advantages of Tray and Packed Columns.
- Worksop: Case Studies
Day 3: Distillation Equipment and Design
- Trays and Packing: Types, Operational Limits, Technical Characteristics
- Tray/Packed Column: Types and Sizes, Technical and Operational Characteristics
- Columns for Fouling Service
- Columns for Vacuum Service
- Supports, Liquid Distributors, Other Accessories.
- Workshop: Case Studies
Day 4: Commissioning and Start-up: Process Control and Optimization
- Pre-Commissioning, Commissioning and Start Up Procedure
- Distillation Column Control
- Functions of Process Control
- Characteristics of Continuous Process
- Column Operation: Controlled and Manipulated Process Variables
- Monitoring of Level, Flow rates, Composition, Pressure, Temperature
- Normal and Emergency Shut-down Guidelines
- Worksop: Case Studies
Day 5: Troubleshooting
- Evaluation of Operating Parameters of Tray Column and Packed Column
- Tools for Diagnosing Operating Problems: Mass Balance and Flow Rates
- Fouling of Columns and Tray Collapse
- Common Start-up Problems and Remedies
- Corrosion Control and Chemical Dosing
- Workshop: Case Studies from History and Lessons Learnt
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ACCREDITATION
EuroMaTech is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.NASBARegistry.org.
Euromatech is a Knowledge & Human Development Authority (KHDA) approved training institute in Dubai, licensed and approved to deliver training courses in the UAE.
The KHDA is the regulatory authority in the UAE, that oversees administering, approving, supervising, and controlling the activities of various education providers in the UAE. We are proud of our commitment to ensuring quality training courses and status as a KHDA-approved training provider.
FAQ
EuroMaTech provides a range of ISO certification and compliance training courses, including:
- ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems Training
- ISO 45001 – Occupational Health & Safety Management Training
- ISO 14001 – Environmental Management Systems Training
These courses help organizations adopt internationally recognized standards and improve their overall performance.
To register for a training course, you can:
- Visit the EuroMaTech website, browse the available courses, and follow the online registration process.
- Contact EuroMaTech’s support team for assistance with course selection or inquiries about corporate training solutions.
EuroMaTech stands out as a leader in training and professional development due to:
- 30+ years of experience delivering high-impact training courses across industries.
- Accreditations from leading institutions, ensuring top-tier course quality and recognition.
- A portfolio of thousands of training courses, serving professionals at every level.
- A focus on innovation and future-ready learning models, including blended and digital training.
- Long-term partnerships with organizations globally, ensuring sustained success through talent development.
EuroMaTech has successfully delivered thousands of training courses, with thousands of professionals from over 50 countries attending annually.
We are happy to share the profiles of our expert instructors. To learn more about their qualifications and experience, please contact us [email protected]
We provide two flexible training formats to suit your preferences:
- Classroom Training: Experience in-person learning with expert instructors. Engage in interactive discussions, hands-on activities, and benefit from face-to-face networking.
- Online Training: Join live online sessions from anywhere, offering flexibility for those with busy schedules or who prefer remote learning.
- In-House Training: We can bring our training directly to your organization, allowing for tailored sessions that address your specific needs and objectives.
Yes, we provide tailored training solutions designed to meet the specific needs of your organization. Customized courses can be delivered either in-person or online, and you can select the dates and duration that best fit your schedule. For more details, please contact us at [email protected]
Yes, we can assist you with the following:
- Corporate Discount: If available, we can extend our corporate discount for your stay at selected hotels.
- Hotel Suggestions: We can provide recommendations for nearby hotels based on your preferences and budget.
Feel free to explore online booking platforms for the most cost-effective options.
