A Simplified Mathematical Model Of The Cryogenic Distillation With Application To The (13C) Isotope Separation Column

The isotope (C-13) has a widespread application in many fields such as chemistry, physics, medicine, etc. To obtain a high concentration in isotope of interest, in our case (C-13), it is used the method of cryogenic distillation of carbon monoxide (CO) which is based on the difference between the vapor pressure of ((CO)-C-12-O-16) and ((CO)-C-13-O-16) at the temperature of liquid nitrogen. Isotopic separation plant, used to obtain the isotope (C-13), is a complex installation, with many inputs and outputs, rather difficult to control. Due to this reason, from the point of view of automation, it is needed a simplified mathematical model. This model can be determined only with some presumption and simplification assumptions. Using the physical laws, the hydrodynamic part of the process and the mass balance will be described by partial differential equations. In order to design a controller for the column, it is needed a transfer function or a state-space realization of the plant, which is the main contribution of the present work. Implementing this mathematical model will be the key element for describing and understanding the operation of the plant and for future development of process control strategies.