Development of Machine Learning-Based Platform for Distillation Column

This study developed a software platform using machine learning of artificial intelligence to optimize the distillation column system. The distillation column is representative and core process in the petrochemical industry. Process stabilization is difficult due to various operating conditions and continuous process characteristics, and differences in process efficiency occur depending on operator skill. The process control based on the theoretical simulation was used to overcome this problem, but it has a limitation which it can't apply to complex processes and real-time systems. This study aims to develop an empirical simulation model based on machine learning and to suggest an optimal process operation method. The development of empirical simulations involves collecting big data from the actual process, feature extraction through data mining, and representative algorithm for the chemical process. Finally, the platform for the distillation column was developed with verification through a developed model and field tests. Through the developed platform, it is possible to predict the operating parameters and provided optimal operating conditions to achieve efficient process control. This study is the basic study applying the artificial intelligence machine learning technique for the chemical process. After application on a wide variety of processes and it can be utilized to the cornerstone of the smart factory of the industry 4.0.