Modeling and composition estimation of an isotopic distillation column

In order to effectively implement model-based control algorithms in distillation processes, when no composition measurements are available, a state estimator is compulsory. A full-order nonlinear observer used as composition estimator is presented and implemented on an isotopic cryogenic distillation process used for the enrichment of
¹³
C from carbon monoxide. The observer was developed by extending the modeling equations of the process, therefore, the implementation is very easy to be carried out, when in possession of a first principle model of the process in study.