Distillation Column Operation and Troubleshooting
A column that will not make specification is usually telling you something specific, and the answer is rarely more reflux. This course covers reading a column and correcting it.
Course outline
What this programme covers, module by module.
- 01What a column is telling you when it will not make spec
- 02Separation on a tray, reflux, reboil and the driving force
- 03Reading pressure drop, temperature and composition profiles
- 04Flooding, weeping, entrainment and downcomer problems
- 05Off specification product and diagnosing it in order
- 06Energy cost, reflux ratio and where the optimum sits
- 07Startup, shutdown, upsets and returning to steady state
What you will gain
- Explain how separation actually happens on a tray
- Read pressure, temperature and composition profiles
- Diagnose flooding, weeping and entrainment
- Correct off specification product methodically
- Optimise reflux and reboil against energy cost
- Handle startup, shutdown and upset conditions
Who should attend
- Process operators and panel operators
- Process and production engineers
- Refinery and petrochemical supervisors
- Technical staff supporting distillation units
Upcoming sessions
| Date | City | Duration | Fees | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 to 4 Nov 2026 | London | 3 Days | US$1,500 | |
| 16 to 18 Nov 2026 | Dubai | 3 Days | US$1,500 | |
| 30 Nov to 2 Dec 2026 | Pretoria | 3 Days | R13,000 | |
| 11 to 13 Jan 2027 | Durban | 3 Days | R13,000 | |
| 8 to 10 Mar 2027 | Cape Town | 3 Days | R13,000 | |
| 3 to 5 May 2027 | Johannesburg | 3 Days | R13,000 | |
| 19 to 21 Jul 2027 | London | 3 Days | US$1,500 |
Fees are per delegate and exclude VAT. Public intakes are confirmed once minimum numbers are met. We also deliver this course on your own schedule, in-house or live online.
Enquire about this course
Register your team or ask for a tailored in-house quote. We reply within one working day.
WhatsApp usCourse brochure (PDF)- Fees from
- R13,000 per delegate
- Duration
- 3 Days
- Field
- Oil, Gas & Energy
- Formats
- In-house, public, online
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