A simulation algorithm using a rate-based model is proposed for multicomponent packed column distillation. The packed column sections are divided into small segments for the modeling. For each packing segment, (6c + 7) MERQ equations are set up and solved by an equation-tearing method with two calculation loops. Calculation of the whole column consists of an iterative segment-wise algorithm with the correction of the bulk vapor composition by the overall normalized θ method for acceleration.
The numerical characteristics of the proposed algorithm and some remarks on its application are illustrated using numerical examples and experimental data obtained from a pilot-scale plant.