Way to predict tray temperatures

An analysis of distillation columns often requires data for individual tray temperatures, either specific ones or the entire profile. A common approach to obtain this temperature information is through use of a rigorous tray-by-tray distillation simulation, usually with a main-frame computer system. Unfortunately, this rigorous approach is either impractical or just too much trouble in many cases. For example, an on-line optimizing control scheme rarely has enough space (computer memory) or real time for a rigorous calculation of distillation column tray temperatures. A shorter method is presented in this article that predicts the tray temperatures of simple distillation columns. Following the theoretical discussion of the method, some examples of its use are presented.