Problem Statement

Have you ever felt frustrated not being able to converge a distillation column? Well, you are not alone. Columns are among the most
difficult unit operations to simulate. Hopefully the tips and tricks provided in this solution will make your job easier.
Solution
Tips & Tricks for column simulation:
Use good initial estimates if they are available.
Avoid conflicting specifications
Dont fix all product flows
Dont fix all specs in one area (e.g. overhead T, distillate and overhead vapour rate)
Dont sub-cool with a partial condenser
If trays are drying out:
Check temperature and duty specs
Fix tray traffic, let duty vary
Check feed temperature, quality and location
Increase boil-up and/or steam rates
If top tray has no liquid, check to see if
Top tray temperature estimate too high
Condenser duty too low
Reflux rate too low
If pump-around is giving trouble, try converging first with an energy stream and then replace it with the pump-around.
Build and converge complex columns in small increments

Keywords
column, tips and tricks, convergence, simulation, troubleshooting