Estimator based flooding predictor for (13C) cryogenic separation column

The industrial distillation plants-like those for crude oil- and the cryogenic distillation column for (¹³C) isotope enrichment have in common the probability to appear an undesirable phenomenon: the flooding, when the plant efficiency decreases drastically. After a general description of the isotope separation problem, the paper describes the column mode of operation and gives the mathematical equations, which explain the column flooding process. The authors deal with the online prediction methods and propose a simple, low-cost method based on the supervision of the process variables: differential column pressure (top-bottom) and liquid level in boiler (variables, first and second derivatives). Using a test-version of the column, where the flooding can be observed directly, the method proposed by the authors proves its utility.